Israel Strikes Gaza After Trump Peace Call, Hamas Hostage Signal

The Palestinian group Hamas has agreed to engage in talks on a new U.S. peace proposal. This development follows a deadline set by former President Donald Trump for the group to accept his plan. The announcement comes amid a temporary scaling back of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

According to Reuters, the militant group has accepted parts of the proposed 20-point plan. This includes provisions for a halt in hostilities and the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel Announces Readiness for Deal’s First Phase

Israel has confirmed it is preparing to implement the initial stage of the proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated it was ready for “immediate implementation.” This was reported by Reuters early Saturday.

Following this, Israeli media reported that the country’s leadership directed its military to scale back offensive operations. The military chief of staff ordered forces to advance their readiness. This move signals a potential de-escalation after months of intense conflict.

Trump Shifts Focus to Israeli Government

Former President Trump has publicly shifted responsibility to the Israeli government. He stated on his Truth Social platform that Hamas appeared ready for a lasting peace. He called for Israel to immediately stop bombing to facilitate the safe return of hostages.

Trump has invested significant political effort into brokering an end to the nearly two-year war. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and has left Israel facing increasing international isolation. The push for a deal also follows urgent pleas from the families of the remaining hostages.

This potential breakthrough marks a critical moment in the prolonged Gaza conflict. A successful deal would secure the release of all remaining hostages. The proposed Gaza peace plan offers a fragile path toward ending the violence.

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What is the current status of the hostages?

Israel states that 48 hostages are still being held. Officials believe that 20 of these individuals are still alive.

What was the trigger for the current conflict?

The war began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the hostage crisis.

What has been the human cost in Gaza?

Gaza health authorities report that the Israeli military campaign has killed more than 66,000 people. The vast majority of these casualties are reported to be civilians.

How has the international community reacted?

Israel has faced growing international isolation due to the high civilian death toll. This pressure has contributed to the renewed push for a diplomatic solution.

Why is Trump involved in the negotiations?

The former president has positioned himself as a key figure capable of securing a deal. He issued his own peace plan and set a deadline for Hamas to respond.