U.S. President Donald Trump expressed growing optimism Sunday that Israel and Hamas might reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement “this week”, though key terms of any potential deal remain in dispute and negotiations in Doha continue sluggishly.
Trump addressed reporters briefly at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and declared: “We are talking, and hopefully over the next week it will get resolved.” This marked his most positive assessment yet after weeks of tense back-and-forth between Qatar and the U.S.; JNS.org +4 Anadolu Ajansi +4 Firstpost All these reports provide information regarding key elements of U.S. Proposal
Ceasefire Duration: Up to 60 days, during which a gradual exchange of hostages would take place.
Troop Withdrawal: Israel would withdraw forces from parts of northern and southern Gaza; however, Hamas has rejected certain withdrawal proposals involving Rafah and areas covering roughly 40% of the territory.
Cadena SER/i24NEWS +9, Firstpost/i24NEWS/Reuters +3, JNS.org all reported similar plans.
Hamas remains committed to full Israeli withdrawal to pre-March offensive lines, while Israel insists upon dismantling Hamas before any troop concessions can be offered. I24NEWS +8 Reuters +8 The Times +8
Diplomatic Moves and Political Dynamics
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, has met with Qatari officials as part of his shuttle diplomacy efforts aimed at building momentum for an agreement. President Trump acknowledged Qatar’s important role in hosting talks as well. *Wikipedia (+1); Firstpost (12); New York Post.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making efforts to build consensus within his hardline government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have voiced strong objections to some aspects of the ceasefire terms; Netanyahu has maintained his stance of seeking “a deal at no price”. The Guardian + i24NEWS (+1)
Humanitarian Context and On-the-Ground Reality
Violence continues in Gaza despite intensive negotiation. On Saturday, Israeli troops opened fire near an aid distribution point in Rafah, leading to 17 Palestinian families being killed while waiting for food assistance–one of several deadly incidents at supply lines controlled under U.S. systems.
The aid crisis and violence have increased negotiation efforts, with U.S. and UN officials both emphasizing how critical a ceasefire ceasefire is for mitigating civilian suffering.
Outlook and Obstacles
Five major obstacles remain impeding progress: Hamas’ demands for full Israeli withdrawal; Israel’s insistence on weakening Hamas structurally; negotiations over hostage release sequencing; territorial control issues, and disagreements over status/management of displaced Gazan populations (New York Post/Times +2 = Reuters).
Trump’s renewed optimism represents U.S. commitment to driving the parties towards closure. He and Netanyahu have spoken multiple times; Trump also plans on meeting with Qatar to push alignment.
What to Expect This Week
Delegations will reconvene in Doha on Wednesday to refine maps, finalize troop withdrawal plans, and confirm phased hostage releases.
Political Pressures: Netanyahu must negotiate internal political tensions within his coalition, while Hamas is under immense strain to provide immediate aid to Gaza residents.
U.S. Involvement: The Trump administration has made this agreement its top diplomatic priority and signaled their intent for possible further U.S. involvement to enforce or uphold it.
Bottom Line: Thanks to U.S. prodding and Qatari mediation, momentum appears to be building toward a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement. President Trump’s upbeat tone could play a critical role – provided any remaining obstacles can be cleared away in coming days.