'Israel has agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza'; now Hamas should accept deal, says Trump

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump stated on social media that his representatives held discussions with Israel on the matter and that a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire had been accepted. He urged that Hamas operatives must also agree to the ceasefire proposal. Trump added that during this 60-day ceasefire period, discussions could be held with all parties to end the war.

'My representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the war. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump wrote on his Truth social media page.

Trump also stated that once the ceasefire agreement comes into effect, it is expected that a hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could become possible.

Meanwhile, Iran had issued a fatwa (religious decree) against Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the other day. The fatwa issued by prominent cleric Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi called Trump and Netanyahu enemies of God and urged Muslims across the world to unite against them.