Trump Welcomes Hamas’ ‘Positive’ Ceasefire Response as Gaza Endures New Attacks

United States President Donald Trump has expressed optimism after Palestinian militant group Hamas announced a “positive” response to a ceasefire proposal mediated by Washington. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump called Hamas’ stance “good news,” sharing his hope that a formal agreement could be reached within days.

However, even as diplomatic efforts gain momentum, the Gaza Strip remains under heavy Israeli bombardment. In the early hours of July 5, Israeli forces carried out intense airstrikes and artillery attacks, killing at least 19 Palestinians, according to Wafa News Agency. The strikes targeted multiple areas, and a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance was reportedly hit during an Israeli raid.

Hamas confirmed in a statement that it had finished consultations with other Palestinian factions and formally delivered its acceptance of the latest truce framework. “The movement is seriously prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework,” Hamas declared, signaling a rare window for possible de-escalation.

The proposed deal includes a 60-day truce guaranteed by the United States, phased releases of Israeli captives, and expanded humanitarian aid to Gaza. The plan outlines that aid distribution would begin immediately after approval, coordinated by organizations such as the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The ceasefire arrangement would also pause military and surveillance flights over Gaza for set hours each day, providing civilians some relief after months of relentless attacks.

Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, voiced cautious support but insisted on additional assurances that Israel would not resume military operations once captives are freed. Their statement emphasized the need for guarantees to prevent another cycle of violence.

As Trump prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on July 7, he has pledged to be “very firm” about the urgency of ending the war. The upcoming meeting comes amid growing calls from Israeli security veterans to halt the fighting. Matan Vilnai, chair of the group Commanders for Israel’s Security, urged Trump to leverage his influence to push for a lasting ceasefire, arguing that Israel has already achieved its military goals against Hamas.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has repeated its demand for an immediate, permanent ceasefire as a foundation for establishing a Palestinian state. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud warned that without a sustainable resolution, the region would remain volatile.

Despite diplomatic progress, the reality on the ground remains dire. Political analysts stress that the Gaza war has deepened resentment across the Middle East and created a humanitarian catastrophe that will take years to heal. As negotiations inch forward, civilians continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no clear end in sight.