In a significant move that may shape the trajectory of the Gaza conflict, Israel signs off on a 60-day ceasefire proposal, as confirmed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement, which comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington, intensifies diplomatic efforts to end months of violence in Gaza. Trump’s public statement, coupled with mounting international pressure, places Hamas at a crossroads—accept the ceasefire or face worsening conditions.
The development marks a critical juncture in the regional crisis, as Israel signs off on terms that may enable de-escalation. The former president emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the deal on the table is the best option Hamas will get. “It will not get better—IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump warned in a post, reflecting his signature capital-letter urgency.
Diplomatic Push Intensifies: Israel Signs Off After High-Level Talks
The ceasefire proposal was the result of a series of diplomatic meetings between U.S. representatives and Israeli officials. Israel signs off on the agreement following a productive dialogue that included Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer’s visit to Washington. Dermer met with key members of the Biden administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to Trump, Qatar and Egypt are expected to deliver the final version of the ceasefire proposal to Hamas. The diplomatic corridor involving regional and global actors underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency of securing peace. With Israel signing off on the deal, all eyes now shift to Hamas and its next move.
Humanitarian Concerns: Aid Groups Slam US-Israeli Distribution System
While Israel signs off on the ceasefire, a different kind of war continues on the humanitarian front. Over 150 international charities and aid organizations have called for dismantling a controversial Israeli and U.S.-supported aid distribution system in Gaza. The system has been criticized for contributing to chaos and deadly incidents at food distribution points.
Organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International issued a joint statement following the tragic deaths of at least ten Palestinians at aid sites. Eyewitnesses and medical staff say the victims were killed while trying to secure food, revealing the dire state of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
This grim reality further increases the urgency for Hamas to consider the ceasefire deal now that Israel signs off. The current state of the aid system not only reflects operational failure but also acts as a catalyst for further unrest.
Rising Civilian Toll Amid Ongoing Strikes
As Israel signs off on the temporary truce, fresh reports of civilian casualties continue to emerge from Gaza. In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 37 people. The local Nasser Hospital confirmed the toll. Among the mourners was Um Seif Abu Leda, who questioned the logic of targeting tents with missiles. “Tents, tents—they are hitting with two missiles?” she asked while laying flowers on her son’s body.
The escalating civilian toll juxtaposed against the diplomatic developments adds complexity to the ceasefire’s reception. The move by Israel to sign off is seen by some as an effort to quell international criticism and restore a modicum of stability.
Heightened Security Threats: Yemen Enters the Fray
Even as Israel signs off on the 60-day ceasefire, threats continue from unexpected quarters. On the same day as the ceasefire announcement, Israel’s military systems intercepted two projectiles—one from Gaza and the other reportedly from Yemen. The latter represents the first missile launch by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since Israel’s brief war with Iran.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning, stating Yemen could suffer the same consequences as Tehran if such attacks continued. The warning comes amid broader regional tensions, underscoring how quickly localized conflicts can evolve into wider military engagements.
Despite these developments, Israel signs off on the ceasefire, signaling a desire to focus on diplomacy rather than escalating the conflict further. However, the Israeli government remains vigilant, with Netanyahu stating that threats from Yemen and Iran will remain key topics in his upcoming Washington visit.
Trump’s Ceasefire Legacy: The Art of the Middle East Deal
With Israel signing off on the deal, Trump has taken a central role in orchestrating what could be a defining peace initiative in the Middle East. His administration’s engagement in brokering the ceasefire continues a long-standing involvement in regional politics. Trump’s move to announce the deal before Netanyahu’s Washington visit suggests he seeks to pressure both sides to finalize the agreement.
“My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza,” Trump posted. “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE.” His statement emphasized the joint roles of Egypt and Qatar as facilitators and urged Hamas to act before losing the opportunity for negotiation.
Israel signing off on this deal not only shows flexibility but also opens a narrow diplomatic window. Trump’s bold push could tip the scale—especially as the situation in Gaza deteriorates rapidly.
What Happens Next: Stakes for Hamas and Netanyahu
As Israel signs off on the ceasefire, the ball is now firmly in Hamas’ court. The militant organization faces immense pressure—from Arab neighbors, the international community, and now even from the shifting stances within Israel. If Hamas declines, it may lose global sympathy and face harsher retaliation.
Meanwhile, for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel signing off on the deal gives him a diplomatic victory to present during his visit to Washington. He will discuss the ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis, a potential trade deal, and how to handle Iran’s ongoing influence in the region.
Netanyahu’s balancing act—between hardliners at home and international expectations abroad—will be scrutinized. By ensuring Israel signs off on the deal before his visit, he may aim to showcase Israel’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.
Conclusion: Ceasefire or Escalation?
The coming days will determine whether the region edges closer to peace or sinks further into chaos. With Israel signing off on a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire plan, a major obstacle has been removed. However, the broader success of the initiative hinges on Hamas’ willingness to accept the terms.
Amid humanitarian collapse, deadly violence, and regional missile threats, the ceasefire offers a lifeline. But it’s a narrow window. Trump’s intervention—unorthodox yet high-stakes—has delivered a proposal now endorsed by Israel and supported by major global players.
Whether Hamas will seize the opportunity remains to be seen. But for now, Israel signs off, and the world waits.