Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire Within a Week, Vows Firm Talks With Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could be reached “within the next week,” describing the truce as “close” in several remarks to reporters from 27 June through 5 July. “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire,” he repeated on multiple occasions, without offering details on the emerging agreement.

Trump added that he will be “very firm” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about ending the war when the two leaders meet at the White House on 7 July. The Israeli premier’s visit follows preparatory talks in Washington by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer aimed at advancing a truce and a hostage-release deal.

Washington’s stepped-up diplomacy comes as the 20-month conflict has devastated Gaza. The territory’s health ministry says the death toll has surpassed 56,000 Palestinians, and humanitarian agencies report acute shortages of food, medicine and shelter. About 50 hostages taken by Hamas during the 2023 attacks are believed to remain in captivity.

Israeli officials have insisted that Hamas must surrender and disarm for the war to end, while the militant group says it will release hostages only as part of a full Israeli withdrawal. Trump indicated that freeing the remaining captives and alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis are central objectives of the prospective ceasefire.