WASHINGTON / TEL AVIV: Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday urged Israel to immediately stop its bombing campaign in Gaza after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accepted several points of a U.S. peace plan to end the war.
While this raised hopes for peace, key issues like Hamas’ disarmament are still unresolved, leaving the final outcome uncertain.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Israel is preparing to begin the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan after Hamas gave a positive response. Soon after, Israeli media reported that the military had been told to reduce attacks in Gaza.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Hamas had shown it was ready for a lasting peace. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so we can get the hostages out safely and quickly,” Trump wrote. “This is not just about Gaza — this is about peace in the Middle East.”
Read More: Ishaq Dar says US only hope for Gaza peace
Netanyahu’s office said Israel would continue to work closely with Trump and his team to end the war according to both Israel’s principles and the U.S. vision.
Despite Trump’s call, fresh bombing was reported in Gaza shortly after his statement. Residents said Israeli tanks fired shells on Talateeni Street, a main road in Gaza City, while airstrikes hit homes in the Remal neighborhood.
The Israeli army chief ordered troops to prepare for the next phase of Trump’s plan, though it’s unclear whether fighting will slow down. Hamas confirmed it had responded to Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which the former U.S. president said must be accepted by Sunday or face “serious consequences.”
Trump, who has portrayed himself as the only leader capable of bringing peace to Gaza, has made the issue a key part of his political agenda. The Gaza war, now in its second year, has killed tens of thousands and left much of the territory in ruins, while Israel faces growing international pressure to halt its offensive and allow humanitarian aid.
For now, Trump’s peace effort has opened a small window of hope — but it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a lasting ceasefire or just a temporary pause.