Trump hints at progress in Gaza ceasefire talks as Israel dispatches delegation to Cairo
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
US President Donald Trump signaled optimism on Thursday regarding ongoing negotiations over the future of the Gaza ceasefire, though he offered few details during a White House press conference.
Asked about the next phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas, Trump responded, “We’ll see what happens. Nobody really knows, but we’ll see what happens. We have some pretty good talks going on.”
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, is set to expire in two days. This initial period saw the release of 33 Israeli hostages from Gaza and around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.
Amid accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides, Israel announced that it was sending negotiators to Cairo in hopes of extending the truce.
At the joint press conference, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his support for a two-state solution, stating, “Yes, I believe that the two-state solution is ultimately the only way for a lasting peace in the region.”
His comments came in response to questions about Trump’s controversial proposal for a US-led administration of Gaza and the permanent displacement of Palestinians, a plan that has been widely condemned as an attempt at ethnic cleansing.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to mount. Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed 48,348 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s war on Gaza, while 111,761 people have been wounded.
The Government Media Office updated its death toll to at least 61,709, announcing thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead.
The conflict erupted when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, international efforts remain focused on securing a longer-term agreement and addressing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
