Trump Urges Israel to Halt Gaza Bombing as Hamas Signals Openness to Ceasefire Plan
United States President Donald Trump has called on Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza” after Hamas said it accepted key elements of his proposed 20-point ceasefire plan, while seeking negotiations over other parts. The move marks a rare moment of potential de-escalation in the nearly two-year war, even as doubts remain over whether both sides can reach an agreement.
Hamas Responds Positively to Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
Hamas announced on Friday that it had formally delivered a response to Trump’s peace plan, agreeing to several provisions including a prisoner exchange deal and a new transitional governance arrangement in Gaza. However, the group said aspects of the proposal—particularly those related to disarmament and governance by an international “Board of Peace”—require further negotiation.
The armed group stated it was prepared to release all Israeli captives, both those alive and the remains of those killed, in line with Trump’s formula. It also indicated willingness to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian-led technocratic body, backed by Arab and Islamic support, rather than to the international body envisioned by Trump.
A Hamas official emphasized:
“We are ready to enter immediate negotiations through mediators to discuss the details of the exchange.”
Trump Calls for Immediate Halt to Bombing
Responding early Saturday, Trump praised Hamas’s statement as a step toward peace and urged Israel to halt its offensive. He declared on Truth Social that Hamas appeared “ready for a lasting peace,” warning that further violence would jeopardize the chance of ending the war.
Despite the call, Israel carried out a drone strike in southern Gaza, hitting a tent in al-Mawasi and killing two children, according to doctors at the Nasser Medical Complex. Several others were injured, marking the first casualties reported since Trump’s appeal for restraint.
A Shift in the War’s Intensity
Al Jazeera reporters on the ground described an unusual quietness in Gaza overnight, with fewer bombardments and a noticeable reduction in drone activity. Smoke still rose in parts of northern Gaza, and Israeli military vehicles remained active, but the scale of firepower was “definitely less” compared to recent days.
“This could be the beginning of a complete halt,” one correspondent noted, though he added uncertainty about when or if a total ceasefire would be implemented.
What’s in Trump’s 20-Point Plan?
Trump unveiled his 20-point Gaza plan earlier in the week, demanding:
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An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of violence.
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The release of all 48 remaining Israeli captives (20 believed alive) in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including life-term detainees.
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The establishment of a transitional governance system, overseen by an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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The disarmament of Hamas and removal of its role in Gaza’s political life.
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The introduction of international stabilization forces to work with local and regional security actors.
While Hamas signaled openness to a ceasefire and prisoner swap, it rejected the concept of foreign figures like Blair overseeing Gaza’s administration. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk said bluntly:
“We will never accept anyone who is not Palestinian to control Palestinians.”
Netanyahu Caught Off Guard
Reports from Israeli media suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “shocked” by Trump’s public rebuke and by Hamas’s unexpectedly positive response. Netanyahu, facing pressure from within his right-wing coalition, reportedly sought to coordinate a joint Israeli-American response to avoid appearing sidelined.
At the same time, families of Israeli captives expressed support for Trump’s stance, saying an immediate end to bombardment was necessary to protect their loved ones. Demonstrations calling for the government to accept a deal are expected to erupt across Israel in the coming days.
A Window for Negotiations
Analysts believe Hamas’s reply has opened a “window for negotiations” in the coming 48 hours. The group’s rejection of the Board of Peace reflects deeper concerns that Gaza could be politically isolated from the broader Palestinian cause.
“The ball is now in Trump’s court,” said one regional analyst, noting that Hamas’s language signaled unprecedented willingness to compromise on governance in Gaza.
International Reactions
Mediators welcomed the development cautiously:
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Qatar confirmed it had begun working with Egypt and the US to explore next steps.
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Egypt expressed hope for a “positive development” that could lead to a permanent ceasefire.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to seize the opportunity, describing Hamas’s response as a potentially historic opening.
Meanwhile, critics questioned the role of Tony Blair in Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, citing his controversial legacy in the 2003 Iraq War. Blair’s inclusion has sparked concern across the Arab world and among Palestinians, with many viewing him as unsuitable for a peace-building role.
Violence Still Ongoing
Despite calls for restraint, reports from Gaza City indicated Israel continued operations, including demolitions using remote-controlled explosive vehicles. Entire neighborhoods were flattened as Palestinians faced another “last chance” demand from Israel to leave urban centers.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 66,200 people—mostly women and children—have been killed since the Israeli assault began in October 2023. The humanitarian crisis has escalated with famine and mass displacement compounding the devastation.
What Comes Next?
Whether Trump’s initiative succeeds depends largely on Israel’s willingness to pause its offensive and on Hamas’s flexibility over contentious issues like disarmament. While international mediators are cautiously optimistic, political divisions within Israel and Hamas’s rejection of external governance remain major obstacles.
Still, the reduction in bombardment and Hamas’s willingness to release captives suggest the potential for a turning point in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.