U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed urgent calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as diplomatic efforts show signs of progress. Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a visit to Washington in the coming weeks, showing potential advances in negotiations with Hamas.
Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is also expected to hold talks in the U.S. focused on ending the conflict and securing the release of hostages.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump posted, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” He expressed optimism about a ceasefire, stating, “We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of.”
Trump also criticised Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, calling it “a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure,” and argued that the trial hampers peace talks.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has ordered mass evacuations in northern Gaza, including parts of Gaza City and the Jabaliya refugee camp, urging civilians to move south to designated safe zones. The United Nations estimates that over 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced since the conflict began in October 2023, with severe shortages of essentials worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The war erupted after Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages. Gaza health authorities report over 56,000 deaths in the territory, with women and children comprising more than half. Negotiations have stalled over whether any ceasefire would end the war permanently.
Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and lifting of the blockade in exchange for releasing all hostages, while Israel insists on Hamas disarming and its leaders going into exile—conditions Hamas rejects.
International actors, including the U.S., EU, and UN, continue to press for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release. Regional mediators such as Egypt and Qatar remain involved, but progress remains fragile.