Washington, June 29: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he is hopeful for a ceasefire in Gaza within the next week, as Washington ramps up humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory amid worsening conditions on the ground.
“We think within the next week, we’re going to get a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters, expressing optimism that an agreement between Israel and Hamas could be reached soon.
The conflict has intensified in recent months following the collapse of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that was in place during the final days of former President Joe Biden’s administration. Israel resumed major military operations against Hamas in March 2025, citing ongoing security threats.
In response to the renewed fighting, Israel also imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, halting food and aid deliveries for more than two months. The blockade has drawn international concern, with humanitarian organizations warning of a looming famine.
In recent weeks, Israel has permitted the resumption of limited aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a mechanism involving U.S. security contractors working alongside Israeli forces. The United States on Thursday announced $30 million in funding for the initiative.
“We’re supplying, as you know, a lot of money and a lot of food to that area,” Trump said. “We’re involved because people are dying. And look at those crowds of people that have no food, no anything.”
However, aid distribution efforts have been marred by reports of violence. Gaza officials and eyewitnesses say several Palestinians have been killed while waiting for supplies. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing unnamed soldiers, reported that commanders had instructed troops to open fire on crowds near aid centers, even when there was no imminent threat.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied the allegations, calling them baseless. The ongoing humanitarian crisis and rising civilian casualties have increased pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire agreement. U.S. officials have been involved in ongoing talks to restore calm and ensure sustained aid delivery.
