NEW DELHI: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Speaking after what he described as a "long and productive" meeting with senior Israeli officials, Trump emphasized the need for a humanitarian pause and a potential path to long-term peace in the region.
The ceasefire proposal, backed by multiple international stakeholders including Egypt and Qatar, seeks to establish a two-month truce between Israel and Hamas to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the initiation of talks on a broader resolution to the war that has gripped the region for months.
“We urge Hamas to agree to this temporary ceasefire—this is a window for peace and for protecting innocent lives,” Trump said in a statement from his office. “It is time to put down the weapons and focus on rebuilding Gaza.”
While Israel is reportedly open to the terms of the 60-day pause, Hamas has not yet responded officially. Sources close to the mediation efforts say there are still concerns on the ground about the conditions tied to prisoner exchanges and the withdrawal of forces.
The United Nations and several Western nations have welcomed the proposal, calling it a "necessary first step" toward ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has seen thousands displaced and critical infrastructure destroyed.
Trump, who is widely expected to announce a fresh presidential bid, has positioned himself as a key figure in reviving Middle East diplomacy. His renewed involvement is seen by many as a continuation of his earlier efforts that led to the Abraham Accords.
As diplomatic pressure mounts, the coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether the ceasefire becomes a reality—or another missed opportunity in the long-troubled region.
