Gaza Ceasefire Is ‘Political Fantasy,’ Israeli Officials Tell Trump

Israeli officials have expressed surprise at U.S. President Donald Trump’s optimistic remarks about a Gaza ceasefire, describing his comments as “political fantasy,” Anadolu Agency reported.An Israeli official involved in ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity on Sunday (June 29), said there has been no change in positions between Hamas and the Netanyahu government. As a result, the prospects for an imminent ceasefire remain uncertain.The officials also said the U.S. administration supports a comprehensive agreement that would include a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and an end to the fighting, paving the way for further normalization efforts in the region.Recently, Trump said, “We believe there will be a ceasefire within the next week.” However, White House officials have admitted they do not know on what basis Trump made this statement.According to U.S. administration sources, there has been little visible progress on a prisoner exchange agreement, although negotiations are reportedly ongoing with Qatari and Egyptian mediation.Meanwhile, reports of Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveling to the Middle East were rejected as “baseless” by the parties involved.Political analysts believe Trump is likely trying to politically capitalize on the recent tensions between Iran and Israel.