Trump Urges Ceasefire Progress Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Trump Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza
In Tel Aviv, President Donald Trump made a plea on Sunday for advancements in ceasefire negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the 20-month-long hostilities as both parties seem to be nearing an agreement.
An official from Israel indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington, D.C., in the upcoming weeks, suggesting potential progress towards a new deal. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not disclose the specifics of the visit.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump urged, "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!" This post came shortly after he discussed a Senate vote related to his tax and spending cuts bill.
On Friday, Trump raised hopes for a ceasefire, stating that an agreement could be reached within a week. He mentioned to reporters, "We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of."
Trump has consistently called for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite a ceasefire that was established just as he took office earlier this year, subsequent efforts to negotiate a new agreement have not succeeded.
Ron Dermer, a senior advisor to Netanyahu and Israel's Minister for Strategic Affairs, is scheduled to travel to Washington this week to discuss the ceasefire.
Trump Criticizes Netanyahu's Legal Troubles
In addition to his Gaza comments, Trump also criticized the ongoing corruption trial of Netanyahu, labeling it a "POLITICAL WITCH HUNT," akin to the challenges he faced. He argued that the trial hampers negotiations for a ceasefire.
Trump stated, "(Netanyahu) is currently negotiating a deal with Hamas, which will include securing the hostages' release. How can the Prime Minister of Israel be compelled to spend all day in court over nothing?" His remarks echoed previous calls for the trial to be dismissed, raising concerns among many in Israel despite Trump's popularity.
Israeli Military Orders Evacuations in Northern Gaza
On Sunday, the Israeli military issued orders for a mass evacuation of Palestinians from extensive areas in northern Gaza, which has suffered significant damage due to ongoing fighting.
Military spokesperson Col Avichay Adraee shared the evacuation order on social media, affecting several neighborhoods in eastern and northern Gaza City, including the Jabaliya refugee camp. The military aims to intensify its operations in the northern region, urging residents to relocate southward to the Muwasi area.
After many had returned during a previous ceasefire, hundreds of thousands now find themselves in northern Gaza. The current military offensive seeks to facilitate operations against militants by relocating Palestinians to southern Gaza, a move that rights groups argue constitutes forced displacement.
Challenges in Ceasefire Negotiations
The conflict in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023, following Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages, with around 50 still believed to be held captive.
Israel's retaliatory actions have reportedly claimed over 56,000 lives, according to local health authorities, who do not differentiate between militants and civilians in their counts, asserting that more than half of the deceased are women and children.
The ongoing war has triggered a humanitarian crisis, displacing most of Gaza's population multiple times and devastating much of the region's infrastructure.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly stalled over a critical issue: the conditions for ending the war. Hamas has expressed willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and a cessation of hostilities, a proposal Israel has rejected, insisting that Hamas must disarm and go into exile, which the group refuses.