Trump Urges Israel to Stop Bombing as Hamas Accepts Key Parts of Gaza Plan
WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump on Friday urged Israel to immediately halt its bombing campaign in Gaza after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept several terms in a US-backed peace plan. However, contentious issues like the group’s disarmament remain unresolved.
Following Hamas’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed preparations for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan, particularly regarding the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media later reported that the political leadership had directed the military to reduce offensive operations in Gaza.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, celebrated the development and insisted Israel must stop strikes for the deal to move forward.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly! We are already in discussions on the details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” he wrote.
Netanyahu’s office responded by pledging to continue working closely with Trump’s team to end the conflict “in accordance with Israel’s principles, which align with President Trump’s vision.”
Bombing Reports After Trump’s Call
Despite Donald Trump’s appeal, residents of Gaza City reported fresh tank shelling and airstrikes shortly after Hamas issued its statement. Witnesses described heavy bombardments on Talateeni Street and strikes on homes in the Remal neighborhood.
The Israeli military chief of staff confirmed troops had been instructed to advance readiness for the peace plan’s first phase, but did not confirm any immediate reduction in operations.
Hamas’s Response to the Plan
Hamas said it was ready to release all hostages — both living and remains — under the exchange formula included in Trump’s 20-point proposal. The group also agreed to transfer governance of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian body, while emphasizing that Gaza’s long-term future must be discussed within a broader Palestinian framework in which Hamas would remain involved.
However, the group’s statement made no mention of disarmament, a critical requirement of Trump’s plan and one Hamas has consistently resisted.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told that while the group welcomed Trump’s proposal, it still lacked “clarity, criteria, and transparency.” He called for further negotiations to finalize the terms.
Reactions on the Ground in Gaza
Inside Gaza, the news triggered celebrations among displaced Palestinians. An reporter in Al-Mawasi described hearing shouts of “Allahu Akbar!” from tents sheltering families.
“The moment I read the news, my body trembled… at last relief has come to us,” said Samah Al-Hu, a displaced resident. Another Gaza City local, Mohammad Abu Hatab, expressed hope that mediator efforts would bring a complete end to the war.
Trump Hails a “Special Day”
Trump called the developments a “very special day”, posting a short video where he vowed that all sides in Gaza negotiations would be treated fairly. He framed the breakthrough as a step toward broader Middle East peace, highlighting his central role in the process.
The conflict, now entering its second year, has left tens of thousands dead and increasingly isolated Israel diplomatically. With Hamas signaling willingness to engage, the coming days will determine whether Trump’s high-stakes gamble can deliver the breakthrough he promises.
Read More: Netanyahu stunned by Trump’s welcoming response to Hamas at MegaNews.tv
