Donald Trump Urges Israel to Pause Gaza Offensive for Ceasefire Talks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has injected himself into the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming on his social media platform Truth Social that a recent statement from the militant group signals readiness for "a lasting PEACE". In a post dated Friday, Trump demanded that Israel immediately cease its bombing campaigns in Gaza to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages held by Hamas. His intervention comes amid ongoing high-stakes negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, highlighting the fragile dynamics of ceasefire talks in the 11-month-old war.

Trump's remarks underscore the perilous conditions for hostage recovery operations, stating, "Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that," in reference to extraction efforts amid active combat. He asserted that specifics of a potential deal are "already in discussions," positioning the proposed agreement not merely as a Gaza-specific truce but as a broader pathway to "long-sought PEACE in the Middle East." This public call adds significant political weight to the multi-party diplomacy, where core disputes centre on the duration and scope of any ceasefire, as well as phased exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

The Israel-Hamas war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting around 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent military response has aimed to dismantle Hamas's governance and military infrastructure in Gaza, resulting in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and widespread destruction that has displaced much of the territory's 2.3 million residents. Humanitarian organisations and military analysts have repeatedly warned that sustained bombardments complicate large-scale hostage rescues or swaps, echoing concerns voiced by families of the remaining captives, estimated at over 100, including both living and deceased individuals.

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While neither Hamas nor Israeli officials have issued immediate responses to Trump's statements, his advocacy aligns with pressures from international actors seeking de-escalation. Diplomatic sources confirm that parallel talks continue, though progress remains elusive due to entrenched positions: Hamas seeks a permanent end to hostilities, while Israel insists on temporary pauses tied to security guarantees. As the conflict enters its second year, Trump's vocal stance could influence U.S. policy under the current administration or signal his intentions for future involvement, though experts caution that unilateral declarations risk complicating mediated efforts without on-the-ground concessions.

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