Trump vows to prevent a Gaza war if Hamas agrees to peace
In a high-stakes moment for Middle East diplomacy, President Donald Trump said the United States would “do everything possible” to prevent Israel from restarting the war in Gaza should Hamas accept a peace agreement. The remark, delivered from the Oval Office, underscores the pressures on both sides to secure a durable ceasefire after years of conflict and mounting casualties.
Background: the evolving talks in Sharm El-Sheikh
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas continued for a second day in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, as the two sides navigate a fragile path toward a broader ceasefire. The discussions come ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks, in which militants killed around 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages. In the two years since, Gaza’s health authorities have reported more than 67,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes, highlighting the grim human toll that colors every bargaining position.
Key players and positions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled willingness to engage with Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, with Hamas in-principle support but demanding further negotiations on core issues. Netanyahu’s comment that “we are in fateful days of decision” reflects the sense of urgency as officials wrestle with security and humanitarian concerns alike.
One major sticking point remains: whether Israel would allow a full phase-out of hostilities once hostages are released. Hamas insists that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be immediate, while Israel contends that a continued security presence is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence. The U.S. plan outlines a phased, partial troop drawdown, tied to the trust-building measures and safety guarantees both sides seek.
The human dimension and political caution
Across Gaza and in Israel, public sentiment mixes cautious optimism with deep skepticism. Hamas’ Khalil al-Hayya stated that negotiations sought to “stop the war,” though he emphasized the ongoing Israeli blockade and attacks as impediments to any lasting ceasefire. In Israel, there is relief at the prospect of a potential end to the fighting, but concern remains about the security vacuum that could follow a withdrawal or reduced military pressure.
Analysts emphasise that any breakthrough would be just the first step toward broader Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation. Civil society voices — including groups like Standing Together, a coalition of Jewish Israelis and Palestinians advocating for peace — urge leadership to pursue a political agenda distinct from right-wing blocs that may benefit politically from continued conflict. They warn that domestic dynamics in both Israel and the Palestinian territories could complicate negotiations and erode trust if concessions appear one-sided.
U.S. role and regional implications
Senior White House officials, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reportedly traveled to Egypt to participate in talks, with Qatar’s prime minister joining discussions from the region. The United States has framed its involvement as a stabilizing force, aiming to prevent a broader regional war while encouraging humanitarian access and reconstruction plans for Gaza.
Trump’s remarks reflect a broader strategy of leveraging allied assurances to push both sides toward compromise. He warned that political calculations in Jerusalem and Ramallah could be altered by external guarantees, while reiterating the need for a robust security framework that would prevent renewed violence once hostilities cease.
Outlook: what comes next?
With negotiations ongoing, the international community watches for a concrete framework that could halt bloodshed and facilitate relief efforts. Experts caution that even a deal on hostages and troop movements would require sustained international monitoring and financial support to stabilize Gaza and promote long-term peace.
For many on the ground, the most immediate question remains: will this moment yield a durable pause in fighting, or merely another tentative truce that could unravel under pressure?
