Sat Jun 28 03:02:40 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Trump Claims Gaza Ceasefire “Close” Amid Mounting Casualties and War Crimes Accusations**

[CITY, STATE] – Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could be achieved within a week. The announcement comes amid a backdrop of spiraling violence, dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and increasing accusations of Israeli war crimes.

“I think it’s close. I just spoke to some of the people involved,” Trump told reporters, adding, “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire.” Trump did not disclose his sources.

Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, noted the announcement would be “welcome news” to the besieged population of Gaza but cautioned that active negotiations are not currently underway. Odeh pointed to potential links between a ceasefire agreement and normalization deals with Arab states promoted by the Trump administration.

Hamas demands a complete cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza and a full withdrawal from seized territories, alongside US guarantees against future violations of any ceasefire.

Trump’s prediction arrives as international outrage grows over the escalating death toll in Gaza and allegations of Israeli forces targeting unarmed civilians seeking food aid. Haaretz reported that Israeli commanders ordered soldiers to shoot at Palestinians attempting to receive humanitarian assistance, prompting accusations of “war crimes” from Gaza authorities.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 550 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution points since late May. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the situation, stating, “People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence.” Doctors Without Borders labeled the situation a “slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid.”

A spokesperson for Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, declined to comment on any possible ceasefire breakthrough.

Israeli officials have maintained that military action is the only way to secure the release of captives held in Gaza. The blockade on essential supplies has led to widespread starvation among the 2.1 million residents.

Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is scheduled to visit Washington next week to discuss Gaza, Iran, and a potential White House visit by Netanyahu.

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