Trump pushes 60-day Gaza ceasefire: Will it lead to the end of Israel-Hamas war?

Dubai: As the Gaza war enters its 21st month, US President Donald Trump has announced a proposed 60-day ceasefire, claiming Israel has accepted the terms and calling on Hamas to do the same. He says the deal could mark a turning point in one of the most protracted and devastating conflicts in recent history.

But with Israel and Hamas still locked into opposing endgames, major questions remain: Can this truce lay the groundwork for a permanent peace? Or will it become just another temporary pause before fighting resumes?

Here are answers to some of the key questions:

Trump said Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to follow suit, warning that the deal on the table “will not get better — it will only get worse.”

Trump envisions the truce as a window to negotiate an end to the war. But Israel says no deal to end the war is possible until Hamas is defeated militarily.

Yes. Hamas official Taher Al Nunu said the group is “ready and serious” about reaching an agreement — provided the proposal leads to a full end to the war.

Arab mediators, according to media reports, say key obstacles include:

• Hamas wants guarantees that Israel can’t resume fighting after the truce ends.

• Disputes over the humanitarian aid delivery mechanism — Hamas opposes the current US- and Israeli-backed GHF system.

• Hamas wants hostage releases staggered across the 60 days, not just in the first week, to ensure Israel stays engaged.

Israel has not officially commented, but reports suggest mixed signals. Some say Prime Minister Netanyahu supports the deal in principle; others quote him saying, “We need to kill every person that holds a weapon.”

Still, there are signs of progress, with discussions continuing in the Prime Minister’s Office.

• A 60-day ceasefire

• Release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of 18 bodies

• Partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

• Increased humanitarian aid

• Assurances from the US, Egypt, and Qatar to advance talks on a permanent ceasefire

A complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel, in turn, demands Hamas disarm, surrender, and leave Gaza — terms Hamas rejects.

They’re serving as mediators and are expected to deliver the final US-backed proposal to Hamas. Talks are set to continue in Cairo this week.

Uncertain. Trump is hopeful, but both sides remain far apart. The deal could create momentum toward peace — or simply delay the next round of fighting.