Former U.S. President Donald Trump today predicted that the Gaza conflict may reach a conclusive resolution within two or three weeks due to a mounting diplomatic push aimed at ending nearly two years of warfare. He noted a very serious diplomatic push on both sides as part of efforts towards finding peace.
These estimates came via The Times of India, The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera respectively.
Resilience Amid Current Hostilities
Trump expressed optimism from the Oval Office that an end to the conflict was on the horizon, saying “within two or three weeks you should see pretty good, conclusive ending.” This timetable had previously been employed when discussing other global crises. The Independent + The Times of Israel + Al Jazeera.
Trump also voiced his disapproval over an Israeli airstrike which killed civilians, including journalists and rescue workers; further underscoring the human toll even as diplomatic efforts intensify.
(AP News/The Guardian/Times of India).
Diplomatic Pressure and Ceasefire Efforts
International mediators have intensified efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement. U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has been actively engaging Israeli leadership and counterparts, outlining a 60-day ceasefire agreement incorporating hostage/prisoner exchange as well as humanitarian aid delivery.
Though the proposal has gained support, its implementation remains uncertain. Israel has yet to sign off on the terms, while Hamas remains conditional on receiving wider political assurances and recognition of a Palestinian state before any ceasefire is agreed upon. (AP News +2 | Reuters +2).
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
As negotiations continue in Gaza, its situation remains grave. Over 60,000 Palestinians have perished since October 2023 as widespread famine and displacement compound civilian suffering. Hospitals and journalists remain targets of violence prompting global condemnation of these acts of terror against civilians.
Reuters
Trump’s Timelines of Succession.
Trump’s optimistic predictions tend to follow a pattern, such as when he predicted an imminent ceasefire in Israel-Iran tensions in June (AP News/Reuters +5, Yahoo/Yahoo +5) and in September.
Israeli officials had earlier this year been calling on it to take decisive action in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera and The Independent.
While timeline predictions remain subjective, today’s forecast aligns with his typical messaging strategy of emphasizing urgency and momentum.
What Lies Ahead
Should an accord come together within weeks, it could mark a turning point in Gaza conflict–potentially opening humanitarian aid, initiating reconstruction projects, and opening up negotiations towards long-term peace negotiations.
However, key unresolved issues–disarmament of Hamas, political transition and territorial governance–remain major hurdles and must be resolved for any ceasefire to remain secure. Without action being taken on these fronts, even an agreement to cease fire could quickly collapse into violence.