JC Israel Briefing Day 632: Gaza ceasefire could come within a week, Trump claims

Some reports suggest the ceasefire may be part of a broader package: ending the war, returning hostages, opening talks on a Palestinian state and freezing Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial. No mechanism has been explained, but Trump has demanded the trial be halted.

“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, in his second message on the topic. “He is a war hero, and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring great success in getting rid of the dangerous nuclear threat in Iran. Importantly, he is right now in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, which will include getting the hostages back.” After referencing billions in US aid to Israel, he added: “We are not going to stand for this.”

Netanyahu has dismissed reports that he is considering a deal involving Palestinian statehood. He called them “baseless” and accused rivals of fabricating them to undermine him. Any move toward statehood would likely inflame his political base.

The trial is underway in Jerusalem. Netanyahu faces three separate criminal cases. His coalition remains divided on whether peace talks should proceed while hostages remain in Gaza.

Former hostage Doron Steinbrecher said Israel should make a deal with Hamas just as it had with Iran. “We can certainly end the war,” she said. Families of hostages claimed the government is ignoring them. Protesters in areas near Gaza demanded a full agreement to bring everyone back.

Steinbrecher, who was held in Gaza and later freed, said: “If we can achieve a ceasefire with Iran, we can certainly end the war with Hamas in Gaza.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned that time is running out. Speakers said the issue is slipping from the government’s focus.

Back to Gaza in a moment, but first, the aftermath of the conflict with Iran.

Trump said Friday that he halted plans to potentially ease sanctions on Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei downplayed the success of US and Israeli airstrikes. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed he saved Khamenei from a “VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH” by opposing Israeli assassination plans.

Khamenei released a video Thursday calling the strikes ineffective and claiming Iran had “slapped” the US by attacking American positions in Qatar. The message was Khamenei’s first public appearance in a week, amid reports he was sheltering in a bunker. Trump responded by suspending the offer of sanctions relief and said Khamenei’s statement showed “anger, hatred, and disgust”.

Trump said he had worked toward giving Iran a “full, fast, and complete recovery” but dropped the effort after the speech. He wrote: “Why would the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ say he won the war, when he knows it’s not so?” He added: “I wish the leadership of Iran would realise that you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR. PEACE!!!”

Trump also said Iran must surrender its remaining enriched uranium stockpile if talks resume. US officials said any future military action would target Iran’s ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. A visit to Washington by Israeli Minister Ron Dermer is scheduled for Monday.

Back to Gaza.

The United Nations has intensified criticism of the Israeli–US aid system in Gaza, calling it dysfunctional and dangerous. Convoys are being looted and fired upon. UN staff say they are starving. “This is not a functioning operation,” one official said.

Aid now moves through a military-coordinated corridor. Drivers face gunfire and looting near drop sites. The World Food Programme and Unrwa report severe safety issues. US officials maintain the system is necessary while Rafah remains closed.

Israel’s army has launched internal investigations into allegations that troops opened fire on civilians at aid convoys. Video footage and command orders are under review. No suspensions have been announced. Gaza authorities say hundreds were hit, but Israel has not confirmed the toll.

Military legal teams are reviewing drone footage and field reports. Some commanders reportedly questioned the clarity of engagement rules. The IDF has given no timeline for its findings. No responsibility has been claimed.

In the UK, four pro-Palestinian activists were arrested after breaking into RAF Brize Norton. Members of Palestine Action threw red paint on aircraft and spray-painted slogans on the tarmac. They were detained at the scene. Police say the suspects remain in custody. Prosecutors are weighing terrorism-related charges.

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