U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered Israel to suspend bombing Gaza to enable hostage release, while Hamas has agreed to free hostages but remains cautious, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expresses shock.
Hamas Accepts Part of Trump’s Proposal
Hamas responded to Trump’s proposal, agreeing to release Israeli hostages and hand over bodies, and declared willingness to continue negotiations. The BBC statement did not directly address the 20‑point U.S. plan, which includes a clause ordering its disarmament and handing control of Gaza to an independent group of technocrats based on Palestinian national consensus and support from Arabs and Islam.
The announcement came several hours after the U.S. president warned that leaders of the group would be “squeezed and killed” if Israeli hostages were not freed by the end of the weekend.
Trump Orders Suspension of Gaza Bombing
President Trump welcomed Hamas’s response and said he believes the group is ready for lasting peace. He ordered Israel to immediately halt bombing Gaza to allow the safe release of hostages.
In a statement posted to social media, Trump praised the cooperation and thanked all countries that offered assistance, emphasizing that “all will be treated fairly.” He noted that many details remain to be agreed upon but expressed optimism about the hostage release.
Netanyahu Shocked by Trump, Tries to Shape Response
According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “surprised” and “shocked” by Trump’s reaction. Unofficial reports claim Netanyahu attempted to coordinate a joint U.S.–Israeli response so Hamas’s statement would not be seen as acceptance of Trump’s plan.
Despite this, Netanyahu declared readiness to implement the first stage of the U.S. plan. A night meeting of Israeli military leadership worked on a “special assessment of the situation,” while unverified reports from Israeli military radio indicated the army was instructed to limit operations in Gaza to a minimal level and focus solely on defense.
Israeli Military Actions and Drone Attack
According to an Al Jazeera correspondent, it was unclear whether bombings had completely ceased, but the past few hours had been “unusually quiet.” Reports also surfaced that Israel had paused operations aimed at occupying Gaza City.
Just before 8 a.m. local time, Al Jazeera reported that Israel conducted a drone strike on a tent in the Al‑Mawasi community in southern Gaza. Two children were killed and several others wounded, with confirmation from local hospital sources.
