U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed Israel to halt its bombings in Gaza immediately following Hamas’ agreement to release hostages and some terms of the administration’s peace plan. However, key issues such as disarmament remain unresolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel is gearing up for the swift execution of the first phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, focusing on the release of Israeli hostages in response to Hamas.
Hamas issued its response to Trump’s 20-point plan on Friday after the president set a deadline for Hamas to accept or face severe consequences. Trump, positioning himself as the pivotal figure in achieving peace in Gaza, emphasized the importance of Israeli cooperation.
Trump commended Hamas for demonstrating readiness for lasting peace and urged Israel to cease bombing Gaza for the safe and prompt release of hostages, emphasizing the broader objective of peace in the Middle East.
Despite Trump’s efforts, reports from Gaza City residents indicate ongoing bombardment, with Israeli tanks targeting key areas and military planes intensifying strikes in different neighborhoods post-Hamas’ response.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to advance the plan, emphasizing the need to participate in negotiations led by the president for finalizing the deal. Families of hostages in Gaza urged Netanyahu to initiate talks for their return, highlighting the pressure on the prime minister to end the conflict.
The military campaign initiated by Israel in response to a Hamas-led attack in October 2023 has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. Amidst the crisis, a UN Commission of Inquiry recently accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim denied by Netanyahu’s government.
Hamas, in its response to Trump’s plan, expressed appreciation for international efforts and agreed to terms related to prisoner exchange and aid entry. However, key points such as disarmament and political power in Gaza remain subject to further negotiation.
Trump’s plan outlines immediate ceasefire, hostage exchange, gradual Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and transitional governance by an international body. Qatar has begun coordinating with Egypt and the U.S. to continue discussions on the Gaza peace plan.
Hamas, while agreeing to some terms, highlighted its readiness for negotiations and proposed the transition of Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian body. Trump had warned of severe consequences if Hamas failed to comply with the proposal by a set deadline.
