Trump Urges Israel To Halt Gaza Bombing After Hamas Accepts Parts Of US Peace Pl ...
US President Donald Trump on Friday urged Israel to immediately halt its bombing campaign in Gaza after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accepted parts of a US peace plan aimed at ending the war. However, unresolved issues like the disarmament of Hamas and the terms of Israeli withdrawal continued to pose challenges.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan following Hamas’ response. Soon after, Israeli media reported that the country’s leadership had instructed the military to scale back its offensive operations in Gaza.
Despite this, fresh airstrikes were reported in Gaza City shortly after Trump’s announcement. The Israeli military chief of staff directed troops to be ready for the first phase of Trump’s plan, without specifying whether attacks would be paused.
Hamas responded to Trump’s 20-point proposal after he gave the group until Sunday to agree or face “grave consequences.” Trump, who has portrayed himself as the only one capable of securing peace in Gaza, has staked major political capital on ending the two-year-long war that has killed tens of thousands and left Israel isolated internationally.
“Hamas has shown it is ready for a lasting peace,” Trump said on Truth Social, adding that the responsibility now lies with Netanyahu’s government. “Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly.” He added that discussions were already underway and described the initiative as a step toward long-term peace in the Middle East.
Netanyahu’s office responded that Israel would work closely with Trump and his team to conclude the war “in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”
However, Gaza residents reported continued shelling and airstrikes in several parts of Gaza City, including Talateeni Street and the Remal neighbourhood, shortly after Trump’s appeal. Khan Younis was also hit, though no casualties were reported.
Before the latest military developments, families of hostages had appealed to Netanyahu to “immediately begin negotiations for the return of all hostages.” Netanyahu faces growing domestic pressure from hostage families and a war-weary public to end the conflict, while his far-right coalition partners continue to demand an uncompromising military campaign.
Israel launched its Gaza offensive following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 people taken hostage. Israel says 48 hostages remain, with 20 believed to be alive. According to Gaza health authorities, Israel’s counteroffensive has killed more than 66,000 people, mostly civilians, and destroyed much of the enclave, where aid shortages have led to famine-like conditions.
Pages:
[1]