U.S. President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could be achieved within a week, amid escalating civilian deaths and mounting international pressure.

Trump Expresses Optimism on Ceasefire

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump stated, “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire,” adding he had spoken to people involved in the talks but provided no further details. His remarks came as Israel faces growing condemnation for its war conduct and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted there are no formal ceasefire negotiations ongoing but observed a sharp uptick in truce-related discussions since the Iran-Israel ceasefire. “Israel does not want to talk about ending the war,” she said, highlighting the political risks for Netanyahu.

Conditions from Both Sides

According to Odeh, Hamas insists any ceasefire must include an end to Israel’s military operations and a complete withdrawal from newly occupied areas in Gaza. Additionally, Hamas is seeking U.S. guarantees to prevent Israel from violating any future truce.

Reports suggest the Trump administration may be linking a Gaza ceasefire to the resumption of normalization talks between Israel and Arab states.

Civilian Toll and War Crimes Allegations

Trump’s ceasefire proposal surfaces as reports detail Israeli military orders to shoot unarmed civilians seeking food aid. Nearly 550 Palestinians have been killed near U.S.- and Israel-backed aid distribution points since May, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.

“This is slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid,” said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added, “The search for food must never be a death sentence.”

U.S. Diplomacy and Israeli Resistance

A spokesperson for Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said there was no update on ceasefire breakthroughs. Witkoff was previously involved in Gaza negotiations under Biden.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials remain firm that military operations are the only path to recovering captives held in Gaza. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is expected in Washington next week to discuss Gaza, Iran, and a potential Netanyahu visit to the White House.