Ceasefire! Trump Urges Netanyahu to Strike a Deal and End Gaza War Amid Hostage Crisis and Ongoing Protests

TEL AVIV, Israel — As tensions continue to escalate in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope on Sunday for a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations aimed at concluding the 20-month-long war in Gaza. His call for resolution came amid indications that both Israel and Hamas may be inching closer to an agreement.

Sources within the Israeli government revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a potential visit to Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. This diplomatic movement suggests that talks around a new ceasefire deal could be gaining momentum. An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to elaborate on the specific agenda of Netanyahu’s trip.

On social media, Trump urged for immediate action regarding the hostage situation, declaring, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” His remarks coincided with posts about other political issues, indicating his multifaceted approach to governance.

In addition to the President’s comments, Ron Dermer, a key advisor to Netanyahu, is scheduled to travel to Washington this week to participate in discussions centered around achieving a ceasefire. Trump’s expectations for progress are buoyed by earlier comments he made, suggesting that a ceasefire could come within the week.

Despite previous attempts to establish peace, the situation remains complex. An eight-week ceasefire reached earlier in the year marked a temporary respite, but subsequent efforts have failed to sustain momentum. Trump’s criticism of the legal proceedings against Netanyahu, who is currently embroiled in a corruption trial, has added another layer to the contentious political landscape. He described the trial as a “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT,” arguing that it distracts from crucial negotiations with Hamas.

Hamas officials, including spokesperson Mahmoud Merdawi, have accused Netanyahu of hindering progress, insisting that the Israeli leader seeks only a partial agreement to release a limited number of hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli officials assert that Hamas remains the primary barrier to peace, emphasizing their demand for complete surrender and disarmament from the militant group.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a series of attacks by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, an additional 88 individuals have died in recent Israeli airstrikes, pushing the total death toll to over 56,500. The ministry, affiliated with Hamas, reports that more than half of those killed are women and children, highlighting the deep humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

In response to the ongoing violence, the Israeli military has ordered a mass evacuation of residents in northern Gaza, areas severely impacted by the hostilities. Col. Avichay Adraee, a military spokesperson, announced the evacuation plan on social media, urging people to move southward to designated safe zones as military operations intensify.

As fighting persists, human rights organizations have raised alarms about potential forcible displacement, as hundreds of thousands of displaced residents recently returned north following earlier ceasefires. This ongoing cycle of conflict and displacement continues to devastate the civilian population and complicate the path to lasting peace in the region.