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Washington D.C., June 28, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he believes a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict could be reached as early as next week, raising hopes for a pause in the devastating hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking during an Oval Office event celebrating a peace accord between Congo and Rwanda, Trump told reporters he had been in contact with individuals working behind the scenes to secure a truce.
“I believe a ceasefire is very close,” Trump said. “I’ve just been talking to some of the people involved. It’s possible it could happen by next week.”
Trump’s comments come amid intense diplomatic efforts to end the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, when the militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages.
Since then, around 50 hostages remain in captivity, despite several being freed in earlier ceasefire deals or rescued by Israeli forces.
The Gaza Strip has suffered immense destruction during the conflict. Hamas-run health authorities claim tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, while critical infrastructure across the densely populated enclave has been obliterated.
Israel continues to target Hamas operatives and infrastructure in what it calls necessary defensive operations, as international concern mounts over the humanitarian cost.
Trump’s statement also follows the recent conclusion of a 12-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, who backs several regional armed groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
That ceasefire marked a significant de-escalation after months of indirect warfare, drone strikes, and missile barrages that many feared could spiral into a broader regional conflict.
While President Joe Biden’s administration has led official U.S. efforts to mediate in the conflict, Trump’s informal comments suggest he remains engaged with international figures and negotiations.
Though not currently in office, the former president continues to exert influence in Republican foreign policy circles and has hinted at running for office again. In addition to the Gaza ceasefire prospects, Trump used Friday’s event to weigh in on rising tensions in East Asia.
“I’ll get the conflict solved with North Korea,” he said, referring to renewed speculation that Pyongyang may be preparing for a missile test or military escalation. “I’ve had a good relationship with Kim Jong Un and get along with him, really great.”
He added: “Somebody’s saying there’s a potential conflict, I think we’ll work it out. If there is, it wouldn’t involve us.”
Trump previously met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times during his presidency but was ultimately unable to secure a long-term agreement on denuclearisation.
While some view Trump’s claims with skepticism, his Friday remarks reflect a continued desire to position himself as a dealmaker capable of resolving complex global crises—both in the Middle East and beyond.
Whether his optimism translates into tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but his comments are likely to spark renewed interest and debate over U.S. leadership in global peacemaking efforts.