U.S. President Donald Trump declared on August 25, during a White House press briefing, that the nearly two-year-old conflict in Gaza could reach a “pretty good, conclusive ending” within the next two to three weeks, underscoring a mounting diplomatic push to resolve the crisis swiftly. Trump, reflecting his trademark rapid-timeline rhetoric seen previously in other global flashpoints, offered no clear basis for this timeframe amid escalating military operations and stalled negotiations.
With ongoing Israeli offensives particularly focused on Gaza City and a ceasefire proposal having been accepted by Hamas but not by Israel, the president’s optimism stands in contrast to the continued reality on the ground. Trump acknowledged the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza, citing famine, death, and escalating civilian suffering as urgent imperatives to end the war: “It’s got to get over with because … people … being killed,” he said.
Pressed on a deadly Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis that killed journalists and medical personnel, Trump said he was “not happy” and didn’t want to see such losses, yet reaffirmed his assertion that ending the conflict was essential. Secretary of State Marco Rubio bolstered Trump’s message, stating that a “very serious diplomatic push” was underway and emphasizing that any end to the war “has to end with no Hamas,” aligning with Israel’s maximalist demands.
Meanwhile, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has been engaged in efforts to broker a broader, more comprehensive agreement, including reconstruction prospects and a resolution for hostages but progress has been limited as Israel continues military operations and rejects phased ceasefire terms.
