U.S. President Donald Trump called on Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza after Hamas signaled acceptance of key elements of a U.S.-brokered plan aimed at ending the two-year war. Hamas agreed to release hostages and open the door to broader negotiations, though unresolved issues such as disarmament remain contentious.
Israel Signals Readiness but Strikes Continue
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s plan, which centers on the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media reported that political leaders instructed the military to scale down operations, but residents in Gaza described heavy tank fire and intensified airstrikes in Gaza City shortly after Hamas’ response.
The Israeli military confirmed that its forces were advancing readiness for Trump’s proposal but did not specify whether bombing would stop.
Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan
Trump’s initiative, developed without Hamas’ participation, outlines:
- An immediate ceasefire
- Exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners
- A staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Establishment of a transitional administration led by an international body
Hamas welcomed international efforts and confirmed its willingness to release all hostages in exchange for prisoners held in Israel. It also said it was ready to hand over Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian technocratic body with Arab and Islamic backing. However, the group did not commit to disarmament or phased Israeli withdrawal, insisting that Israel must end its occupation first.
Mounting Pressure on Netanyahu
Netanyahu faces a growing domestic dilemma: families of hostages and a war-weary public demanding an end to the conflict, versus hardliners in his coalition urging continued military pressure. Israel’s campaign in Gaza — launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and seized 251 hostages — has since killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The U.N. and human rights experts have accused Israel of genocide, charges the Netanyahu government rejects, framing its actions as self-defense.
Next Steps
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are expected to intensify mediation in the coming days to finalize details of Trump’s plan. While Hamas’ response opens a possible path to de-escalation, the sticking points — especially disarmament and governance — highlight the fragile road ahead.
Trump, declaring Hamas “ready for a lasting PEACE,” framed the moment as historic:
“This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Whether Israel halts its offensive in line with Trump’s call may determine if this proposal becomes a genuine breakthrough or another missed chance at peace.
