Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he believes a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants could be reached within a week.
Speaking at an Oval Office event celebrating a Congo-Rwanda accord, Trump told reporters he had recently spoken to individuals involved in the peace efforts and expressed optimism about halting the violence. “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire,” he said, without specifying who he had spoken with.
The Gaza war began after Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, which the local health ministry reports has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
Hamas has expressed willingness to release remaining hostages as part of a deal to end the war, but Israel insists the conflict can only conclude with Hamas being disarmed and dismantled—terms the group has rejected.
Trump’s remarks come shortly after a ceasefire went into effect in the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump has said he has been in frequent contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during these developments.
Despite Trump’s optimism, there have been few tangible signs that either side is prepared to resume serious negotiations. A spokesperson for U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s office declined to comment beyond Trump’s statement. Witkoff had earlier helped broker a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal under former President Joe Biden, but that agreement quickly unraveled.
Meanwhile, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday for discussions on Gaza, Iran, and a potential White House visit by Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, speaking on Thursday, said the outcome of Israel’s confrontation with Iran presents new opportunities. “This victory presents an opportunity for a dramatic widening of peace agreements. We are working on this with enthusiasm,” he said in a statement.
Source: Reuters
