WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/QATAR— President Donald Trump said Friday that a response from Hamas to the latest ceasefire proposal is expected within the next 24 hours, as pressure mounts to bring an end to the nearly nine-month conflict in Gaza.

“We’ll likely know by tomorrow whether Hamas is serious about ending this,” Trump told reporters before heading into closed-door briefings with top advisers.

Trump’s remarks come as Hamas leaders continue to review the terms of a deal put forward by international mediators and supported by the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. According to Palestinian sources close to the talks, Hamas is still demanding guarantees that the deal would result in a permanent end to hostilities—not just a temporary pause.

Deal Details Still Being Negotiated

Unconfirmed reports circulating in Hamas-affiliated media suggest the current framework includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 live hostages and the remains of 18 others would be returned to Israel. In exchange, Israel would release an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israel has yet to confirm these terms publicly. However, a source familiar with the War Cabinet’s internal discussions said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning toward advancing a deal that could be finalized before his scheduled trip to Washington next week.

War Cabinet Faces Strategic Crossroads

The Israeli War Cabinet is currently weighing three potential courses of action:
1. Approve a ceasefire and hostage deal
2. Resume full-scale military operations in Gaza
3. Implement a prolonged siege strategy while allowing limited humanitarian access

“There is a recognition that this may be a unique window to both bring the hostages home and make progress on broader diplomatic goals,” a senior Israeli official said.

Some coalition members are urging a hardline approach, pushing for a complete military defeat of Hamas and reassertion of Israeli control in the Strip. However, others appear willing to accept a temporary deal if it paves the way for regional normalization and renewed U.S. support.

Hostage Families Demand Full Agreement

Meanwhile, families of 35 hostages held by Hamas released a joint statement Friday urging Netanyahu not to settle for a partial deal.

“Anything short of a full agreement is a moral failure and a historic tragedy,” the letter read. “We demand that all hostages be brought home immediately and unconditionally.”

Next Steps and U.S. Involvement

President Trump is expected to meet with Netanyahu in Washington on Monday. U.S. officials are hopeful that a deal will be close to final by then. If talks move forward, future negotiations are expected to take place via proximity discussions, where mediators shuttle messages between the parties rather than direct engagement between Israel and Hamas.

The proposal’s success may hinge on whether Hamas accepts the deal as a permanent end to hostilities or merely a short-term truce. The coming day may determine whether the war draws to a close—or continues into its tenth month.