Israel continues heavy bombardment of Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 19, despite Trump’s appeal for suspension.
Israeli Strikes Resume in Gaza
Reuters reports that on Sunday there was no pause in Israeli attacks on Gaza, with aircraft and tanks shelling the enclave. Local authorities confirmed that at least 19 people died that day. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he appreciated Israel’s temporary suspension of bombings to give a chance to finalize a hostage‑release and peace deal. An Israeli government spokesperson said a ceasefire does not apply in Gaza. On Monday, talks between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing war are set to begin in Cairo.
Marcos Rubio on Post‑War Challenges
In an NBC interview, Senator Marco Rubio said the war is not over and that work remains, divided into two stages. He stated that Hamas accepted the U.S. presidential plan for hostage release, while the second stage involves long‑term issues such as creating a non‑Hamas, technocratic Palestinian leadership with international support. Rubio emphasized that securing all hostages in exchange for Israel’s return to the “yellow line” is the immediate priority for a lasting peace.
Trump’s Proposed Peace Plan
Trump’s plan envisions ending the Gaza war, exchanging prisoners, withdrawing Israeli troops, establishing International Stabilization Forces, delivering humanitarian aid, and setting up a temporary, apolitical administration of Gazans and international experts under a UN Security Council mandate led by the U.S. president. On Friday, Hamas said it agreed to release prisoners and hand over Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian body. Trump remarked on Truth Social that Hamas appears ready for permanent peace if Israel stops bombing Gaza immediately.
Netanyahu Highlights Military and Diplomatic Pressure
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli citizens he hopes soon to announce the return of all hostages, living and dead, in one phase while IDF forces remain entrenched in Gaza. He claimed that strong military and diplomatic pressure forced Hamas to accept the Israeli plan. In the first phase, Hamas would release hostages and the IDF would regroup to maintain control over all deep‑Gaza areas. Netanyahu said the shift in Hamas’s stance was solely due to military and diplomatic pressure. In the second phase, Hamas would be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised, achieved either through diplomatic means per Trump’s plan or by military action.
