Trump Hopes Gaza Ceasefire Deal Reached Within Week

US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will be reached within the coming week, as ongoing negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States continue despite slow progress. The proposed 60-day ceasefire includes phased hostage releases and Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza, but disagreements remain over Israeli control of buffer zones, with Hamas rejecting proposals that would leave about 40% of Gaza under Israeli control. Hamas insists on a full return to previous ceasefire borders and conditions that guarantee an end to the war before releasing hostages, while Israel demands the cessation of hostilities only after all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled militarily and politically. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, also voiced optimism about the talks, highlighting the complex and delicate nature of the negotiations. Meanwhile, violence continues on the ground with Israeli strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties, and political tensions rise within Israel amid indictments against government officials and criticism of media coverage of the conflict. These developments underscore the fragile balance between diplomatic efforts for peace and ongoing hostilities in the region.