Daily news highlights show that former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed hope that a ceasefire deal in Gaza could be finalized as early as next week. He said this after Hamas gave a “positive” response to a U.S.-backed proposal for a truce. While speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump mentioned he had not yet been fully updated on the negotiations, but the signs looked promising.
Positive Signals from Hamas
Hamas released a statement on Friday saying they had responded “positively” to the ceasefire plan. However, the group also added that more discussions were needed to work out the details of the agreement. It is unclear whether Hamas has fully accepted the 60-day ceasefire plan that Trump supports.
- Hamas wants guarantees that the temporary ceasefire will eventually lead to a complete end to the war, which has lasted nearly 21 months.
- Trump has been pushing hard for this deal and is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next week.
- The U.S. plan includes working with all parties during the ceasefire to find a long-term solution to the conflict.
Growing Death Toll Amid Aid Crisis
While talks continue, daily news highlights report that violence on the ground in Gaza is increasing. On Friday alone:
- Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in different parts of Gaza.
- Another 20 people died while trying to collect food aid.
- Over the past month, at least 613 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
The UN says many of the deaths happened near food distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by Israel and the U.S. Some people were also killed while waiting for aid from the United Nations and other groups.
Aid and Ceasefire Linked
A Hamas official, speaking anonymously, said a ceasefire could begin as early as next week if certain conditions are met. These include:
- Agreement on how many Palestinian prisoners will be released for each Israeli hostage.
- More humanitarian aid must be allowed into Gaza, especially through trusted agencies like the UN.
The same official also claimed that Trump has promised to extend the ceasefire beyond 60 days if needed to finalize a permanent peace deal. However, there has been no official confirmation of this from U.S. sources.
Deadly Attacks Near Aid Sites
Reports from hospitals and aid workers confirm that people in Gaza are still dying while trying to get food:
- Three people were killed Friday while walking to GHF food centers.
- 17 more were killed waiting for aid trucks in eastern Khan Younis.
- Witnesses say Israeli troops often open fire in these areas, sometimes using tanks and drones.
The UN and WHO say that hospitals are overwhelmed with gunshot victims, many of whom were simply trying to collect food. The Red Cross also reported mass casualties at its field hospitals near aid sites.
Despite the violence, GHF denies responsibility and claims many of the casualty numbers come from Hamas-controlled sources. However, the UN says its numbers are verified by medical and humanitarian groups.
War and Evacuations Continue
- The Israeli military confirmed that two of its soldiers died in Gaza on Friday.
- More evacuation orders were issued in Khan Younis, forcing people into smaller, overcrowded areas by the sea.
- The total death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 57,000, according to the Health Ministry, which says over half of the dead are women and children.
Background on the Conflict
The war began in October 2023 when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Since then, over 860 Israeli soldiers have been killed, with the majority dying in Gaza combat.
This Breaking News comes at a time when both sides are suffering heavily. While there is hope for a short-term truce, many obstacles remain. Hamas wants a clear path to ending the war. Israel still aims to defeat Hamas completely. With Trump actively involved and diplomatic efforts from Egypt and Qatar continuing, the world waits to see if peace can be achieved—at least for now.
