Washington, July 2 (HS): President Trump announced that Israel has agreed to conditions for a proposed 60-day cease-fire with Hamas, although details of the terms are not specified. This statement precedes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington. Trump's announcement via Truth Social follows his push for an end to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the urgency for Hamas to accept the deal for the sake of stability in the Middle East. He indicated that discussions of a permanent resolution would follow if the cease-fire is established.

Israeli officials have not yet confirmed Trump's announcement or details about the conditions. Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to end the hostilities, particularly to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks. Speculation suggests that Netanyahu may compromise to reach a cease-fire, despite risks to his coalition with far-right allies.

The current situation reflects the complexities and unresolved issues surrounding Israel's military actions in Gaza, with Hamas maintaining its demand for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a guaranteed end to the conflict in exchange for hostage releases. Meanwhile, Israelis insist that Hamas must surrender and disarm.

International calls for an end to the conflict are intensifying as humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated severely. The Israeli blockade on aid has amplified the humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating over 56,000 fatalities and countless injuries resulting from the ongoing violence.

Previous cease-fire negotiations have faltered, with efforts during Trump's presidency highlighting difficulties in reaching a lasting agreement. Despite some attempts to establish terms that would lead to dialogue for an enduring cease-fire, significant barriers remain unaddressed. The fallout from persistent hostilities continues to generate displacement and suffering among the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar