U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 1–2 that Israel had accepted the terms needed to complete a 60-day ceasefire and urged Qatari and Egyptian mediators to present the final agreement to Hamas. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump said, underscoring the importance.
US President Donald Trump urged Iran-backed Hamas militants to agree to what he called a 'final proposal' for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt https://t.co/tGx6BTJYQY pic.twitter.com/uvdqv1m0un
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 2, 2025
Half of the Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for a corresponding number of Palestinian detainees during the 60-day ceasefire period, which is based on a hostages-for-prisoners exchange. The plan's overarching objective is to generate momentum for a lasting cessation of the conflict in Gaza.
Israel's Position & Domestic Pressure
In light of growing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and opposition leader Yair Lapid have voiced support for the proposed agreement, highlighting the significance of securing the remaining hostages and reflecting widespread parliamentary support. Prime Minister Netanyahu's far-right supporters, however, are still dubious and caution that a total cessation of hostilities until Hamas is completely destroyed could compromise their political goals. The 60-day ceasefire is therefore seen as a calculated move to maintain coalition cohesion while responding to both local and foreign pressure.
Even a brief halt, according to Gazans, would be beneficial
"I hope it would work this time, even if it's only for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives," Kamal, a Gaza City resident, said over the phone.
Hardline members of his right-wing ruling coalition are adamantly opposed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to stop the almost two-year-old conflict in Gaza and establish a lasting ceasefire, despite mounting public pressure to do so.
A majority in the coalition cabinet would support an arrangement that would see the release of the remaining captives held by Hamas militants in Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X on Wednesday.
He wrote on X, "If there is an opportunity to do so - we must not miss it!" About 20 of the 50 hostages who are still being held are thought to be alive.
The remarks offered some encouragement to Gazans, who have fled several times and struggle every day to find food 21 months into Israel's war operation.
According to businessman Tamer Al-Burai, "everyone is hopeful that it would work this time, there is no room for more failures, every day more costs us our lives,"
"These are the most trying times for us. People want the war, the famine, and the humiliation to stop.
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