Sources have told Sky News in Arabic that President Donald Trump is likely to announce a ceasefire in Gaza within the coming days, as part of a broader agreement that would include the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Meanwhile, the head of a new U.S. and Israeli-backed aid distribution initiative for Gaza, Jake Wood, has resigned after only a few weeks on the job.
“There are expectations that Trump will declare a Gaza ceasefire within days,” one source stated, adding that the announcement would be tied to a deal involving the hostages.
On Sunday, a senior Hamas official acknowledged that the terrorist organization’s civilian administration in Gaza has collapsed, describing the situation in the Strip as one of complete chaos.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump signaled optimism about progress on Gaza, telling reporters, “We want to see if we can stop the fighting.”
He added, “We’ve spoken with Israel, and we want to bring this whole situation to an end as soon as possible.”
According to sources within the Trump administration, the President is exerting pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt the war. Trump is reportedly frustrated with the ongoing conflict and is seeking a resolution.
Officials say the administration has opened a backchannel to Hamas via “Palestinian”-American businessman Bishara Bahbah. The goal is to pave the way for renewed indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, focused on a prisoner exchange and ceasefire. The initiative is being spearheaded by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Israel has been asked to delay further military escalation and to permit expanded humanitarian aid into Gaza, in an effort to create favorable conditions for talks. Israel, for its part, continues its increased military operations in the enclave.
Media reports suggest that an Israeli delegation is expected in Cairo on Monday to discuss restarting negotiations, though Israel has not officially confirmed the move.
The Egyptian Al-Ghad channel reported Sunday night that a potential ceasefire agreement in Gaza would include the release of 10 living hostages and the return of the bodies of 16 others. According to sources, the agreement stipulates that five of the hostages will be released on the first day of the ceasefire, while the remaining five would be freed on the 60th day.
There are an estimated 21 living hostages in Hamas captivity.
The transfer of the 16 bodies will follow a predetermined schedule, giving Hamas up to 60 days to locate and recover the remains.
As part of the deal, Israel would be required to release terrorist prisoners with blood on their hands. Hamas, for its part, is demanding the release of all Gaza-based prisoners, including those detained both before and after the October 7 attack.
JAKE WOOD GOES HOME
The head of a new U.S. and Israeli-backed aid distribution initiative for Gaza, Jake Wood, has resigned after only a few weeks on the job. Wood said he was concerned about the program’s impartiality and called on Israel to allow greater humanitarian access to Gaza.
Mind you, Israel’s chief concern has been to prevent Hamas from robbing the humanitarian aid trucks and selling their content for a steep price to fuel its terrorist recruitment operation.
Jake Wood, a former U.S. Marine sniper who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been named Executive Director of the newly launched Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed initiative to deliver aid into Gaza using private contractors, bypassing the UN and traditional NGO… pic.twitter.com/ixQhclq8Bn
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 18, 2025
Jake Wood, a U.S. military veteran, stepped down as executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which was officially launched by the U.S. in early May. The foundation is tasked with overseeing a tightly regulated mechanism for aid deliveries into Gaza.
The initiative has faced criticism from the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, who warn that it could worsen conditions in Gaza by further displacing civilians and putting them at risk.
Wood issued a statement saying, “I am proud of the work I oversaw, including developing a pragmatic plan that could feed hungry people, address security concerns about diversion, and complement the work of longstanding NGOs in Gaza. However, it is clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon.”
