Trump may announce Gaza ceasefire deal this weekend: Israeli media

JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump may announce a draft agreement this weekend that would bring an end to Israel's war on the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Thursday.

The Israel Hayom daily, citing diplomatic sources from the US and Arab countries, said Trump is expected to announce a ceasefire agreement that would not fully meet Israel’s demands.

Diplomatic sources speaking to the newspaper said Trump has held numerous talks on Gaza, and his remarks such as "You'll be knowing probably in the next 24 hours" point to an agreement in which the US would play a central role in the reconstruction and administration of Gaza.

In the initial phase of the expected agreement, the US would reportedly participate in resuming humanitarian aid to displaced Palestinians through the logistical centers the Israeli army has begun constructing in Gaza.

This would be followed by the "reconstruction of the Gaza Strip" under US oversight and supervision.

The report also highlighted that the Palestinian group Hamas’s red line on disarmament remains one of the major obstacles to the agreement.

Contrary to Israel’s persistent demands, Hamas may be offered guarantees in order to accept the agreement, such as future participation in the civil administration of the Gaza Strip and security assurances for its leadership.

Another possible scenario mentioned is the integration of Hamas into Palestinian forces that would maintain order in the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Hayom report emphasized that the main concern within the Israeli government is that Trump could announce an agreement that includes concessions to Hamas as a fait accompli.

It was underlined that Trump might present such an agreement to Israel as a done deal, effectively forcing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to decide whether to accept it or not.

Such a scenario could trigger a brand new coalition crisis for Netanyahu.

In an article by Michael Crowley published in The New York Times on May 5, it was assessed that hopes for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza under President Trump faded after Israel approved comprehensive assault plans aimed at a permanent occupation of Gaza.

The article suggested that Israel’s preparations for large-scale operations in Gaza would be frustrating for Trump and serve as a clear reminder of his failure to deliver the peace he had promised.

It was also claimed that Trump told Netanyahu to "end the war in Gaza" by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, 2025 if he wins the election.