President Donald Trump on Friday called on Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza, saying Hamas had agreed to key elements of a U.S.-brokered plan to end the two-year war. The move marks Trump’s most direct intervention yet in the conflict as he seeks to position himself as the dealmaker capable of delivering lasting peace in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan — focused on the release of Israeli hostages — following Hamas’ formal response.
Hamas submitted its reply to the 20-point proposal after Trump gave the group until Sunday to accept or face “grave consequences.”
Trump pushes for immediate ceasefire
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Netanyahu’s office said Israel would continue to work closely with the U.S. administration “to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”
Israel continues bombardment despite US call
Despite Trump’s plea, residents reported continued airstrikes across Gaza City and Khan Younis on Friday, including tank shelling along Talateeni Street and renewed bombing in the Remal neighborhood. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Israel has not officially commented on Hamas’ response or Trump’s demand to halt military operations, but opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to “join the discussions led by the president to finalize the details of the deal.”
Families of hostages held in Gaza echoed that call, urging the government to begin negotiations “for the return of all hostages.”
Domestic and international pressure mounts
Netanyahu faces growing domestic pressure to end the war amid anger from hostage families and a public weary of prolonged conflict. At the same time, hardliners within his coalition are pushing for continued military operations.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who has led European efforts to promote recognition of a Palestinian state, said on X that “Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay.”
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken to Gaza. According to Gaza health officials, Israel’s subsequent campaign has killed more than 66,000 people, mostly civilians, and left much of the territory in ruins.
Sticking points remain over disarmament and withdrawal
Hamas’ written response, seen by Reuters, indicated approval for parts of Trump’s plan — including releasing all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and handing Gaza’s administration to a technocratic Palestinian body — but avoided direct commitments on disarmament and Israel’s phased withdrawal.
A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group would not disarm until Israel’s occupation of Gaza ends, underscoring a key divide between the sides.
Trump’s plan envisions a ceasefire, full hostage-prisoner exchange, Israeli troop withdrawal in stages, Hamas disarmament, and the establishment of a transitional international administration in Gaza.
Qatar confirmed it had begun coordination with Egypt and the U.S. to continue mediation efforts.
Hamas signals readiness for further talks
In its statement, Hamas said it “appreciates the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump” and is ready “to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details.” The group added that it supports handing Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian body with Arab and Islamic backing.
While the response falls short of full acceptance, it marks Hamas’ most conciliatory tone in months — and could signal the beginning of renewed diplomacy to end one of the region’s most destructive conflicts in decades.
