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Trump Promises Gaza Ceasefire — But Can He Deliver?

The president speaks of an imminent deal — but history may repeat itself

Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 29. May 2025

“We’re very close,” President Donald Trump said this week during a White House briefing, commenting on the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

According to Trump, an official announcement could come “today or maybe tomorrow.”

But even as the sitting president, Trump’s track record makes it hard to take such promises at face value — especially when details are lacking, and his foreign policy style has often been marked by grand statements with little follow-through.

Ceasefire or Just Hot Air?

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has been under pressure to show foreign policy results.

The Gaza conflict has dominated headlines and tested both Trump’s diplomatic credentials and America’s role in the Middle East.

At the press conference, he suggested that his administration is close to securing a temporary ceasefire and a hostage exchange.

According to U.S. officials, Israel supports the plan, but internal resistance remains — especially from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right base, which is deeply critical of any concessions.

Meanwhile, Hamas has stated that the current proposal would only “lead to continued killing and starvation,” though it is still under review by the group.

Familiar Promises, Familiar Pattern?

Trump’s style is well known: sweeping promises of quick fixes to complex issues.

During the campaign, he repeatedly claimed he could end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours” if elected.

But since taking office, there has been no significant breakthrough on that front.

Which raises the question: why would the Gaza conflict be any different?

A Fractured Situation

According to The Times of Israel, the U.S. proposal would allow Israel to resume fighting after a temporary ceasefire — something Hamas views as a trap.

Sources close to the negotiations believe Hamas may still accept the deal, albeit with reservations, to avoid appearing uncooperative.

Netanyahu has reportedly expressed support for the plan in principle but has not brought it forward for cabinet approval. Meanwhile, frustration is growing among the families of hostages, who fear yet another false hope.

“Can Trump Make a Difference?”

As president, Trump naturally holds more power to influence the process than before. But past experience — whether in Ukraine or prior Middle East initiatives — shows that big words don’t always lead to real results.

So the real question isn’t just whether Trump will deliver a ceasefire — but how he plans to achieve it, and how long it would actually last.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.