Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire: Can optimism survive the battlefield?

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Trump Eyes Ceasefire Breakthrough: “First Phase” of Gaza Plan to Wrap Up This Week

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

New Delhi, October 6, 2025 — US President Donald Trump said the first phase of his Gaza ceasefire plan “should be completed this week,” citing “very positive discussions with Hamas and countries from all over the world.”

Meanwhile, negotiators from all sides are converging on Egypt to attempt what has eluded previous peace efforts — a lasting truce in Gaza.

On Sunday, Hamas confirmed to Arab News that its delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, had arrived in Egypt ahead of talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed at brokering a ceasefire and orchestrating a hostage-prisoner exchange. Israel’s negotiators are slated to join on Monday, added the daily.

Trump’s pitch leans on a 20-point peace framework that binds ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the release of hostages to broader political restructuring of Gaza. Israel says it’s internalizing the first phase; Hamas has accepted parts, while reserving room for negotiation on key demands like disarmament, said Al Jazeera in an update.

But the formula is far from settled. Thomas Pickering, former US envoy to Israel and the UN, praised Trump’s energy but cautioned per the Doha-based outlet: “The optimism is hopeful, but at the moment, somewhat unrealistic.”
He noted many of the 20 points will require negotiation, and central questions — such as Palestinian state recognition — remain murky.

Bombing in Gaza has not paused. Despite Trump’s call for Israel to stop airstrikes, dozens were killed in overnight attacks, as Israel pressed on against Hamas targets, reported Reuters. Trump per the news agency has warned that rejection of his plan could bring “serious consequences.”

Al-Hayya, a veteran Hamas negotiator who recently survived an Israeli airstrike attempt in Doha, is no stranger to high-stakes diplomacy, said The Times of Israel in a report. His role in the talks could prove pivotal.

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