President Donald Trump announced on Friday that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could take place within the next week. He spoke confidently at the White House while referencing private talks with people close to the negotiations. 

“I think it’s close. I just spoke to some of the people involved. We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire.” – Trump.

Trump said the war in Gaza is near a pause after the US and Israel ended their coordinated bombing campaign on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump now wants Israel to limit its operations in Gaza and focus more on building peace in the region. He highlighted the Abraham Accords as a model for expanding future agreements with Arab nations.

Trump Urges Peace Talks As Pressure Builds

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will visit Washington on Monday to discuss Gaza Iran and a potential visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump’s optimism contrasts with failed efforts from just weeks ago when a ceasefire plan proposed by US envoy Steve Witkoff collapsed. 

The deal asked Hamas to release hostages in exchange for prisoner releases by Israel. Israel accepted the deal but Hamas made changes that were rejected. Despite this Trump said momentum is building again. Netanyahu continues to promise that the war will end only after Hamas is defeated. However he has not dismissed a short-term truce to secure more hostage releases. Families of those held captive have intensified calls for action. Trump appears hopeful that recent diplomacy will succeed where others failed.