Thu Jul 03 02:21:43 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Trump Announces New 60-Day Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas**

**Cairo – July 3, 2025** – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aiming to halt the 20-month-long conflict in Gaza. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump stated Washington will work with both sides to achieve a lasting resolution. However, neither side has yet officially accepted the proposal.

The announcement follows recent Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a country that has historically supported Hamas. Details of the ceasefire are emerging, appearing to be a modified version of a previous framework proposed by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. Trump credited Qatar and Egypt for their work on the details, with a final proposal expected to be delivered to Hamas.

According to an Egyptian official involved in the talks, the proposal involves Hamas releasing 10 hostages over the two-month period, and Israel withdrawing troops from some Gaza areas and allowing increased humanitarian aid. The war began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas militants attacking southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. Hamas is believed to still hold around 50 hostages, with less than half thought to be alive.

A key point of contention, aid distribution, appears to have been resolved, with the UN and Palestinian Red Crescent leading operations, supported by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. Iran’s weakened influence following recent conflicts has left Hamas more isolated, potentially encouraging them to accept the deal.

However, challenges remain. Israel has not yet agreed to withdraw its forces to March positions, and Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his hard-line stance, vowing that “there will be no Hamas” after the ceasefire. Additionally, the long-term governance of Gaza is under discussion, with a potential shift to a group of Palestinians without political affiliations known as the Community Support Committee.

Despite these hurdles, a diplomat briefed on the talks expressed optimism, stating there is a “big opportunity” for an agreement. The diplomat noted that Trump’s tough stance towards Israel has bolstered Hamas’s confidence that the U.S. will guarantee any future deal.

Residents in Gaza expressed hope that the ceasefire will finally end the war, citing exhaustion and immense suffering. The outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, but it represents a renewed effort to de-escalate the conflict and bring relief to the region.

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