Gaza Bombing Kills 36 Despite Trump’s Call for Halt

Dozens of Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes over the weekend. This violence occurred despite a public demand from former US President Donald Trump for Israel to halt its bombing campaign. The strikes continued after Hamas signaled a willingness to engage with Trump’s proposed peace plan.

According to local health officials, the bombardments resulted in significant civilian casualties. The situation highlights the complex challenges facing any new ceasefire effort.

Details of the Recent Violence

At least 36 people were killed in Gaza since Trump’s Friday statement. Eighteen individuals, including children, died in a single strike on a house in Gaza City. The attack also damaged several nearby buildings.

The Israel Defense Forces stated it had targeted a Hamas militant who posed a threat. They said reports of civilian casualties were under review. The IDF added it regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians.

International Diplomacy and Hamas’s Response

On his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Hamas to move quickly on his plan. He warned that without swift action, “all bets will be off.” This push comes after Hamas accepted key parts of his 20-point proposal.

The group agreed to ending the war, an Israeli withdrawal, and a hostage-prisoner exchange. A critical unanswered question remains whether Hamas is willing to disarm. This is a key Israeli demand for a lasting peace.

White House officials confirmed envoys were being sent to Egypt. Their goal is to finalize technical details for a hostage release. Egypt will host delegations from both Israel and Hamas for further talks.

A Glimmer of Hope Amid Deep Skepticism

Hamas’s response was met with optimism by some world leaders. They see it as a potential breakthrough to end the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades. The smaller, hardline Palestinian Islamic Jihad group also endorsed the move.

For Palestinians in Gaza, the development offers a fragile hope. Many have endured immense suffering and displacement. Residents in the West Bank expressed cautious optimism but fear political sabotage could derail the process.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressure. He is caught between families of hostages demanding a deal and far-right coalition partners opposing one. Israeli media reported a reduction in offensive activity following the political instructions.

The path to a lasting Gaza peace deal remains fraught with obstacles. The recent violence underscores the urgent need for a durable solution that ends the cycle of conflict and suffering for all civilians involved.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the main point of Trump’s Gaza peace plan?

The plan aims to end the war and secure the release of Israeli hostages. It involves a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The proposal also addresses a lasting peace agreement.

How has Israel responded to the recent developments?

Israel said it was preparing for the possible implementation of the plan’s first phase. The military was reportedly instructed to reduce offensive activity. However, airstrikes continued, resulting in numerous casualties.

What are the key demands from Hamas?

Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal. The group also seeks the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. The issue of disarming its militants remains a major point of contention.

How many people have been killed in the conflict?

According to Gaza health authorities, more than 67,000 people have been killed. Israeli tallies state that 1,200 people were killed in the initial October 7 attack. The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Why is this ceasefire effort different from past attempts?

This effort involves direct, high-profile involvement from a former U.S. president. Hamas has provided a seemingly positive response to key elements of the proposal. The involvement of other militant groups like Islamic Jihad also adds a new dimension.