US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the U.S. is working to end the war between Israel and Hamas. He told reporters, “We are talking and hopefully we’re going to get that straightened out over the next week.”

Trump believes both sides can agree soon. The U.S. supports a plan for a 60-day ceasefire. The deal includes releasing hostages, pulling back Israeli troops, and holding more talks to end the war.

U.S. Envoy Confident in Progress

Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, also showed hope. He spoke in Teterboro, New Jersey, and said he will meet top Qatari officials during the FIFA Club World Cup final. He said the talks are moving forward.

Talks Face Major Roadblocks

However, talks are moving slowly. Israel and Hamas can’t agree on key points. The main problem is how many Israeli troops should leave Gaza. An Israeli official blamed Hamas for the delay. He said, “Hamas is being stubborn.” He believes Hamas is refusing fair terms. On the other hand, Hamas blames Israel. They say Israel is making unfair demands.

Hamas Rejects Israel’s Proposal

Reuters reported that Hamas rejected an Israeli offer. That plan would allow Israel to keep control of 40% of Gaza. This includes Rafah and parts of northern and eastern Gaza.

Hamas wants Israeli troops to go back to earlier positions. These were set during a ceasefire before fighting grew worse in March. Hamas says it will only release the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to end the war.

Israel Refuses to Back Down

Israel says the fighting won’t stop until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled. The Israeli government wants Hamas removed as both a military and political force in Gaza.

The War’s Toll Is Massive

The war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. That attack killed around 1,200 people. Hamas took 251 hostages to Gaza. Around 50 hostages remain. Officials think at least 20 are still alive.

Since then, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The war has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million people. Now, the territory faces a severe humanitarian crisis.

No Ceasefire Without Compromise

Trump hopes for a deal soon. But deep divisions remain. Both sides refuse to give in. Until they compromise, a ceasefire will stay out of reach.