Trump’s Optimism and Hamas’s Conditions: Key Developments on Gaza

President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire deal in Gaza, stating he believes an agreement is "very close." His comments came as Hamas announced its readiness to "immediately sit at the negotiation table" after receiving a new proposal from Washington.

Trump told reporters that he believes all hostages will be returned, saying, "I think we'll get them all back." He also issued a "final ultimatum" to Hamas on his "Truth Social" platform, claiming that "the Israelis have accepted my terms" and it was time for Hamas to do the same.

In a statement, Hamas confirmed it had received "some ideas" from the American side. While it welcomed any move to help end the aggression, it set clear conditions for an agreement: a clear declaration to end the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of an independent Palestinian committee to manage Gaza. Hamas also demanded a public guarantee of Israel's commitment, citing past agreements that it claims Israel has reneged on.

On-the-Ground and Humanitarian Developments

On the ground, events continue in parallel with the political negotiations:

• Rocket Launches: The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for launching two rockets toward the Israeli town of Netivot, the first time in months, in "retaliation for the crimes of the Zionist enemy." The Israeli army confirmed it had intercepted one of the rockets.

• Israeli Airstrikes: The Israeli army is intensifying its operations around Gaza City, targeting residential towers. The Government Media Office in Gaza accused Israel of a "systematic forced displacement plan."

• Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: The Gaza Ministry of Health reported 5 new deaths from "famine and malnutrition," bringing the total to 387, including 138 children. These figures come after the UN declared a state of "famine" in Gaza.

• Aid Flotilla: The "Flotilla of Resilience," carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists from Tunisia to Gaza, was postponed until Wednesday due to technical and logistical issues. The flotilla includes activists from dozens of countries and aims to "open a humanitarian corridor."

Divergent Positions and Regional Interactions

• Israeli Statements: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that the war could end "tomorrow if the hostages are released and Hamas lays down its arms." He also urged Denmark not to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing that peace can only be achieved bilaterally.

• Hamas's Response: Hamas official Bassem Naïm said the movement would not lay down its arms but would release all detainees if Israel agreed to end the war and withdraw its forces from Gaza.

• Hamas Visit to Cairo: A Hamas delegation concluded a visit to Egypt to "enhance consultation, develop joint action, and draw a national roadmap" to end the war.

• Attacks from Yemen: The Israeli army announced it had intercepted drones launched from Yemen, with one crashing at Ramon Airport, causing minor injuries to one person.