Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Likely Next Week Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes
GAZA/US:
President Donald Trump on Friday expressed optimism that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be reached “within the next week”, even as Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, killing at least 14 people since dawn.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said:
“I think it’s close. I just spoke to some of the people involved… Within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire.”
While Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been active in earlier truce efforts, his office declined to comment on the president’s prediction.
Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected to visit Washington next week for meetings regarding Gaza, Iran, and a potential White House visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump had earlier hinted at ceasefire progress during a NATO summit in The Hague, citing feedback from Witkoff that “Gaza is very close” to an agreement.
In parallel, a senior Hamas official confirmed that ceasefire talks had gained momentum, stating that a diplomatic track is now active. Hamas insists on:
- A complete halt to Israeli military operations
- Withdrawal of Israeli troops from occupied areas in Gaza
- US guarantees to prevent future ceasefire violations
Escalation on the Ground
Despite diplomatic optimism, Israel’s assault on Gaza continues unabated.
- An Israeli airstrike on the Osama Bin Zaid School in Saftawi killed 8 displaced civilians, according to Al Jazeera.
- Another strike in Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, targeting displacement tents, killed 6 more, including members of the Abu Taima family.
Humanitarian agencies, including the UNRWA, described Gaza’s situation as catastrophic.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA chief, said aid centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had become “killing fields”.
The Gaza Government Media Office also accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting starving civilians seeking humanitarian aid.
War Toll and Legal Fallout
Since the start of Israel’s offensive in October 2023, over 61,709 Palestinians have been killed, including 17,492 children.
More than 111,588 have been injured, with 14,222 still missing.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing a genocide case against Israel.
