Diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire have accelerated following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of “great progress” at the NATO summit. Trump credited recent U.S. strikes on Iran with creating momentum, stating envoy Steve Witkoff reported Gaza was “very close” to a deal. Mediators Qatar and Egypt have intensified shuttle diplomacy, with Hamas official Taher al-Nunu confirming communications surged in recent hours, though no formal proposals have been exchanged.
While Hamas insists it seeks “stronger guarantees” for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal, Israel demands full hostage releases before halting operations. The U.S.-backed proposal includes a 60-day truce and phased hostage-prisoner exchanges, but Hamas fears repeating past ceasefires where Israel resumed fighting after hostage returns. Qatar’s Prime Minister remains hopeful talks can begin within days.
President Mahmoud Abbas sent Trump a rare letter praising his Iran-Israel ceasefire and offering cooperation on a “comprehensive peace agreement” to end Israel’s occupation. Abbas emphasized readiness to work with Arab and international partners, urging Trump to “make new history for our region”. The overture aligns with Saudi demands for Palestinian statehood as a condition for normalizing Israel ties.
Despite diplomatic signals, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 41 Gazans in 24 hours—including 14 near aid distribution points. Central Gaza resident Ramzi Khaled described digging through rubble with hammers after a strike leveled a shelter: “They are all in pieces... We retrieved what we could”. The death toll now exceeds 55,700 Palestinians, with UN officials condemning Israel’s “weaponization of food” after 549 aid-seekers died since March.
The negotiations unfold alongside mounting legal pressure: the ICC maintains arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant for alleged war crimes, while the ICJ investigates genocide charges. With Gaza’s health system collapsing and famine spreading, UNRWA’s Juliette Touma denounced U.S.-backed aid groups as “mercenaries” who “shoot at people while they’re queuing to get food”.