Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Jul 2: US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, raising cautious hope in the war-torn enclave. The proposal will now be delivered to Hamas by mediators Qatar and Egypt.

"I hope it works this time… it would save thousands of innocent lives," said Kamal, a Gaza City resident, echoing widespread desperation for a pause in the 21-month-long war. Gaza health officials reported at least 20 more deaths on Tuesday in Israeli strikes, even as civilians clung to hope.

Trump's statement followed a "productive" meeting between US and Israeli officials but did not detail the ceasefire conditions. A previous plan proposed a phased hostage-prisoner swap and a permanent end to the war, but Hamas had sought amendments.

A source close to Hamas said the group would review the proposal before responding. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged action to free the remaining 50 hostages, with 20 believed to be alive. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also pledged support for a deal, offering a safety net against resistance from hardliners in Netanyahu’s government.

The war began after Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Israel’s response has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN says over 80% of the territory is under evacuation or militarized.

Trump’s ceasefire push comes after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian sites and amid hopes of regional realignments. As Gaza reels under a humanitarian crisis, many see this as a critical moment. “There is no room for more failures,” said businessman Tamer Al-Burai.