Israel agrees to terms of 60-day ceasefire deal in Gaza

Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to US President Donald Trump, the BBC via Reuters reported on July 2nd.

Trump stated that the US would “work with all parties to end the war” in a post on Truth Social. Trump’s announcement comes a week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet the president, who stated that he would be “very firm” in discussions. 

Trump anticipates Israeli cooperation with the new deal, believing that Netanyahu wants to end civilian casualties in Gaza. He said: “He wants to. I can tell you he wants to. I think we’ll have a deal next week.” 

A senior Hamas official told the BBC that mediators had intensified efforts to secure a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza. However, talks with Israel remain at a standstill.

Israel maintains that the war will not end until Hamas is fully dismantled. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to demand a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Earlier, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told the BBC that Israel was “absolutely” open to a ceasefire.

Speaking to the BBC News channel, Danon accused Hamas of “playing hardball” and emphasised that Israel was ramping up pressure on the group.

“We are putting pressure on Hamas, and if they will not come to the table, the only option we will have to bring back the hostages, is to apply more military pressure,” he said.

“The war will only end when the hostages return home,” Danon concluded. Reportedly, 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, over 20 are believed to be alive.  

Trump’s comments shortly followed Israeli orders for citizens to evacuate from the north of Gaza ahead of intensified military action. According to medics and eye witnesses, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in a sea front cafe in Gaza City on June 30th.  

This week, the Israeli military stated that it is investigating reports of civilians being “harmed” while approaching aid distribution centres in Gaza, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organisation supported by both the U.S. and Israel.

Over 170 charities and NGOs have demanded the closure of the controversial group. Organisations such as Oxfam and Save the Children allege that Israeli forces “routinely” fire on Palestinians attempting to access humanitarian aid.

Israel has rejected these claims, arguing that the GHF is essential to ensure aid delivery without interference from Hamas.

BBC via Reuters