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U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel on Friday to stop its bombing campaign in Gaza after Hamas signaled approval of key elements in Washington’s proposed plan to end the war. The proposal includes a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, staged Israeli withdrawals, and a transitional government for Gaza under international oversight.
Israel confirmed it was preparing for “immediate implementation” of the plan’s first stage after Hamas responded. However, thorny issues remain unresolved, particularly Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s demand for a phased withdrawal. Hamas has so far refused to disarm, insisting Israel must end its occupation before such steps can be considered.
Despite Trump’s call to halt strikes, Gaza residents reported heavy bombardments in Gaza City and Khan Younis following Hamas’ statement. Witnesses said Israeli tanks shelled Talateeni Street while warplanes targeted the Remal neighborhood, intensifying fears that violence could derail negotiations.
Trump, who presented a 20-point plan and threatened “all HELL” if Hamas did not comply by Sunday, positioned himself as the key mediator for Middle East peace. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly,” he wrote on Truth Social, framing the moment as a turning point for regional peace.
Hamas, in its response, agreed to release all Israeli hostages — alive or deceased — under the exchange framework. It also expressed readiness to transfer Gaza’s administration to a non-partisan Palestinian technocratic body supported by Arab and Islamic states. However, it stopped short of accepting Trump’s demand that Hamas be excluded from Gaza’s political future.
The war, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, has left Gaza devastated. Over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, while aid blockades have triggered famine. The U.N. has accused Israel of genocide, charges the Netanyahu government rejects.
Talks continue with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, but whether Trump’s plan can bridge the divide between Israel’s security demands and Hamas’ political survival remains uncertain.
