President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that a ceasefire in Gaza is “closer than ever,” suggesting that peace might finally be within reach. While his words offer hope, the situation on the ground, the political realities, and deep divisions make the path to a lasting truce far from simple.
What Trump Is Proposing
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced a detailed plan for ending the war in Gaza. Their “21-point plan” calls for an immediate ceasefire, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, dismantling Hamas’s military power, and a mechanism for rebuilding Gaza under international supervision.
The Washington Post
+3
Reuters
+3
AP News
+3
Trump insists that this agreement marks a historic moment — that both sides are now more ready to accept compromises. He argues that this plan can create enough trust among parties to pause the violence.
Politico
+2
The Washington Post
+2
Why the Ceasefire Is Hard to Achieve
- Hamas Has Not Agreed
One major obstacle is that Hamas has not formally accepted the agreement. Even though Israel has signed on to the plan, without Hamas’s willing cooperation, a ceasefire cannot fully take effect.
Politico
+2
The Washington Post
+2
- Continued Fighting on the Ground
Despite announcements of progress in diplomacy, Israel continues airstrikes and military operations.
The Guardian
This ongoing violence erodes trust and makes both sides more reluctant to back down. The contradiction between military action and calls for a ceasefire shows how delicate the situation remains.
- High Stakes and Deep Demands
The demands being made are tough. Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’s military operations, while also wanting guarantees of security. Hamas and its backers, meanwhile, demand an end to occupation, lifting blockades, and rights for Palestinians in Gaza. Bridging these demands is extremely difficult.
The Washington Post
+2
Politico
+2
- Political Pressures
Netanyahu faces pressure from political allies who don’t want him to concede too much. If he appears too soft, he risks losing domestic support or being challenged by hardliners. Some analysts argue his endorsement of the ceasefire plan comes with conditions to retain control and influence.
The Washington Post
+2
Politico
+2
Similarly, Trump’s role as mediator is also political. He needs to manage relationships with Israel, Arab nations, and public opinion in the U.S. — all while trying to make tangible progress.
What It Would Take for a Real Ceasefire
To move beyond statements, several key steps must happen:
Hamas must formally agree to the ceasefire terms. Without that, fighting will continue.
Verification and monitoring. Independent observers would need to ensure both sides stick to the agreement.
Security guarantees. Israel would likely demand guarantees that Hamas cannot rearm or resume attacks.
Humanitarian relief and reconstruction. Gaza needs aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and governance structures to stabilize life for civilians.
Flexibility & goodwill. In any negotiation, each side must accept some compromises. If either side insists on “all or nothing,” talks are likely to collapse.
Conclusion
Trump’s rhetoric — that a Gaza ceasefire is closer than ever — offers optimism at a time when many despair. But optimism alone cannot overcome hard realities: ongoing fighting, unmet conditions, political pressures, and deep mistrust. For the ceasefire to become real, agreements must be accepted by all sides, enforced on the ground, and backed by strong guarantees. Whether his plan will succeed, or fade away like past efforts, depends on whether diplomacy matches the urgency of Trump’s words and whether parties are ready to walk away from war into peace.