Trump orders Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas backs parts of his peace plan

U.S. President Donald Trump has requested that Israel stop its military campaign in the Gaza Strip following indications that Hamas has accepted parts of his proposed peace plan. This announcement comes amidst ongoing hostilities that began over two years ago, particularly following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Hamas's Acceptance of Plan

Hamas has expressed its willingness to release hostages and transfer authority to other Palestinian factions; however, senior officials within the organisation have indicated significant disagreements still exist regarding other elements of the proposal. The group has indicated that broader aspects related to the Gaza Strip’s future and Palestinian rights need to be established based on a consensual Palestinian approach and aligned with international law.

In a statement, Trump noted his belief that “they are ready for a lasting peace.” He added, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza to ensure the safe and swift release of hostages.”

No Immediate Israeli Response

As of now, officials in Israel have not responded publicly. The country adheres to a traditional pause in operations during the Jewish Sabbath, which may contribute to the delay in official communications. Notably, Hamas’s response does not meet the demands of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which include the group’s disarmament.

Encouragement from Mediators

International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have welcomed Hamas’s acceptance of key elements of the plan. Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the proposed framework. In addition, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties to seize this moment to bring a resolution to the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment on social media, stating that a ceasefire and the release of hostages are feasible.

Urgent Demands from Hostage Families

The Israeli Hostages Families Organisation has responded to Trump's call for a ceasefire, stating it is critical to protect the hostages and urging Netanyahu to launch effective negotiations for their imminent return. Meanwhile, Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas: the group must agree to the proposed terms by Sunday evening or face intensified military action, warning that “all hell will break loose” against Hamas if negotiations fail.

The Proposal Details

Under Trump’s peace plan, Hamas would be required to release the remaining 48 hostages—approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive—while also disarming and relinquishing control of the Gaza Strip. In exchange, Israel would halt its offensive, withdraw from a significant portion of the territory, release numerous Palestinian prisoners, and allow for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, along with plans for eventual reconstruction efforts.

Palestinian Rights and Governance

The proposal stipulates that Gaza's governance would transition to international oversight, with both Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair set to oversee these arrangements. Notably, the plan does not provide for the future reunification of Gaza with the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which remains a contentious issue among Palestinians, who often view U.S. initiatives as skewed in favour of Israel.

Hamas's Position

Hamas spokesperson Mousa Abu Marzouk has stated that while the group is open to returning hostages as proposed, practical challenges exist surrounding the timeframe for their release. He articulated that locating some captives may take considerable time. Furthermore, there are indications that Hamas could entertain the idea of disarming under certain conditions; however, this was not highlighted in their official statements.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, exacerbated by prolonged hostilities. Reports from the UN humanitarian office indicate that a severe lack of resources has led to widespread hardships, with families unable to relocate due to financial constraints. As outlined by Olga Cherevko, a UN spokesperson, displaced individuals, including vulnerable populations, are living in desperate conditions.

Commemoration of Past Events

The conflict has its roots in a deadly incursion on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly among civilians. In retaliation, Israeli actions have led to over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, although independent verification suggests considerable difficulties in confirming these statistics. This ongoing violence has resulted in the displacement of around 90 per cent of Gaza’s residents, with many displaced multiple times due to the conflict.

As international efforts continue to find a resolution, the pressing questions of hostages, rights, and territorial governance remain complex and contentious, posing substantial challenges to any forthcoming peace agreement.