US Plans Pressure on Israeli Minister for Gaza Ceasefire, Prisoner Deal

The ongoing Gaza conflict remains deeply contentious, with the US administration under President Donald Trump promoting a 60-day ceasefire proposal involving Egypt and Qatar, aimed at ending hostilities and facilitating humanitarian aid and hostage releases. However, Hamas officials express distrust, accusing the US of hypocrisy as it continues to supply weapons to Israel amid escalating violence, and demand a permanent end to Israeli military operations rather than a temporary ceasefire. US officials plan to pressure Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to agree to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, signaling a shift in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's priorities from eliminating Hamas toward prioritizing hostage recovery. Key sticking points include Hamas's insistence on a permanent cessation of war and the restoration or replacement of humanitarian aid distribution mechanisms, opposed by Israel's support for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which critics say endangers Palestinians accessing aid. Meanwhile, US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has called on the Trump administration to end Israel's blockade of humanitarian supplies to Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis affecting over two million people. Egypt continues to mediate efforts for a sustainable ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of phased agreements to achieve long-term peace in the region.