Donald Trump made an unexpected statement expressing optimism about the possible end of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, reporting that an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza is close to being reached
According to the former American president, the parties are "very close to signing an agreement" that would envisage a temporary cessation of hostilities for 60 days. He shared this information during a conversation with journalists in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, emphasizing that updates on the negotiations are expected to be announced within the next few hours or the day after. Trump added that the United States has real prospects of reaching an agreement and will keep the public informed, as the process is already in its final stages. At the same time, official information about the technical and political progress in the negotiations has become closer to public confirmation following several reports from different sources. On the eve, media outlets, citing diplomatic sources, reported that the Israeli government is willing to consider a proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan with Hamas militants, offered by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. These negotiations are taking place amid increasing diplomatic activity from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. After weeks of diplomatic efforts, the US and its European partners repeatedly highlighted the possibility of a breakthrough in negotiations to end the conflict. American diplomat Witkoff has been consulting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his adviser Ron Dermer for several weeks. Additionally, negotiations have also been conducted with Hamas leaders in Duss, Qatar, through intermediaries, including Palestinian-American businessman Bishar Bakhah. This indicates the complex and multi-stage nature of the diplomatic process currently underway around the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, accusations against the Israeli authorities regarding violations of humanitarian law continue. European countries are increasingly criticizing Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, particularly for blocking humanitarian assistance and restricting access to essential resources for the civilian population in the area. This is contributing to heightened international pressure on Israel, which seeks to ease tensions and reassure the world of its willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Thus, the situation in Gaza remains tense, and although diplomatic efforts offer some grounds for optimism, no final decision has been made yet, and paths to peace remain complex and multi-faceted.