Trump Pushes for Gaza Truce as Hopes for Peace Flicker Again

After nearly two years of unrelenting violence in Gaza, a new push for peace has emerged, this time led by United States President Donald Trump. In a move that has stirred cautious optimism, Trump has called on the Palestinian militant group Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire, claiming Israel has already agreed to the terms.

The offer comes just days after a quick end to Israel’s brief 12-day conflict with Iran, a development that has reignited hope that some form of peace may be possible in Gaza too. But the road to even a temporary truce remains filled with obstacles, mistrust, and deep-rooted demands from both sides.

Hamas responded to the proposal with careful wording, saying it is “weighing its response” while pushing for conditions such as a full stop to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid. These demands have been consistent in past negotiations, many of which have collapsed without agreement.

Middle East analysts suggest there may be some room for compromise. Hugh Lovatt from the European Council on Foreign Relations pointed out that Hamas could consider the deal if it sees it as the best option for now. However, he warned that there are still major gaps between what Hamas wants and what Israel may be willing to offer.

One key problem is trust, or rather, the lack of it. Previous ceasefires have fallen apart quickly, often followed by renewed Israeli strikes. Andreas Krieg, an expert from King’s College London, said Hamas will likely want solid guarantees before agreeing to any new deal.

Meanwhile, Israeli leadership remains divided. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his hardline stance, saying Israel is committed to destroying Hamas following the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli soil that triggered the current war. At the same time, voices within Israel’s far-right, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, are calling for an even more aggressive approach, including full occupation of Gaza.

Despite this, there are signs Netanyahu could be feeling pressure to shift course. Krieg notes that Netanyahu’s recent victory in the Iran conflict, a bump in domestic approval, and calls from Israel’s military leadership to seek a way out of the Gaza war could make him more open to compromise.

Trump’s upcoming meeting with Netanyahu at the White House may be crucial. The U.S. president has promised to take a “very firm” stance on ending the war. Analysts believe Washington has the influence through military aid and diplomatic support to push Israel toward a temporary peace.

While the proposed 60-day truce is no guarantee of lasting peace, it could offer a badly needed pause in the bloodshed. For the people of Gaza and southern Israel, even a short break from the violence would mean a chance to breathe and hope.