Donald Trump tells Netanyahu and Israel to stop bombing Gaza so hostages can be saved

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” after Hamas signaled openness to parts of his proposed peace plan. Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that the moment could pave the way for “long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

Trump wrote: “Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting peace. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly. Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long-term peace in the region.”

According to reports, Hamas has indicated it would comply with several elements of Trump’s 20-point peace framework. The plan outlines:

• An immediate ceasefire
• The release of all hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel
• A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
• A transitional government led by a Palestinian technocratic body with international support
• The eventual disarmament of Hamas

Hamas has stated it is ready to release both living and deceased Israeli hostages but requested more time than the 72 hours set in Trump’s proposal. Under the deal, Israel would be required to release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza arrested after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

An Egyptian mediator told Cairo News that indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have already begun regarding prisoner and hostage exchanges. Hamas also announced its willingness to hand Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian technocratic body, provided it is backed by Arab and Islamic nations. However, Hamas leaders made clear they would reject any foreign military presence and did not confirm if they would disarm something both Israel and Trump see as essential.

Earlier in the week, Trump issued Hamas a deadline, warning that if an agreement was not reached by Sunday, 6 p.m. Washington DC time, “all hell, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”

This latest development highlights both the fragile hope for a ceasefire and the deep challenges that remain in achieving a lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict.