Cairo/Washington, October 4: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday instructed Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza, saying Hamas had agreed to release hostages and accept other terms in a U.S.-brokered plan to end the war, though contentious issues like disarmament remain unresolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s plan for the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media reported that political leaders had directed the military to reduce offensive activity, but residents said bombardments continued in Gaza City and Khan Younis shortly after the announcement.
Trump said Hamas had shown it was “ready for a lasting PEACE” and urged Netanyahu to act, posting on his Truth Social platform: “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”
Hamas, the group controlling Gaza, responded positively to Trump’s 20-point plan, agreeing to release hostages and hand over administration of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian body backed by Arab and Islamic partners. The group did not clarify whether it would disarm or relinquish political power, insisting that disarmament would not occur before Israeli withdrawal.
The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, 48 of whom remain, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 66,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, and caused widespread destruction and famine. The United Nations and multiple human rights experts have accused Israel of committing genocide, allegations the Israeli government denies.
Trump’s plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchange, staged Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government. Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. are coordinating efforts to continue negotiations.
Families of hostages and segments of the Israeli public have urged Netanyahu to pursue negotiations, while hardline members of his far-right coalition continue to demand an uncompromising military campaign.
