Trump pushes halt to Gaza bombing as Hamas signals release
In a move that intensified discussions about a potential breakthrough, US President Donald Trump urged Israel to stop its airstrikes in Gaza after Hamas said it was ready to release hostages under his ceasefire framework. Trump, who posted a message on Truth Social and released a brief video, framed the development as a turning point toward a lasting peace. He asserted that all sides would be treated fairly in negotiations and suggested that the moment could mark a “very special day.”
What Trump said and what it could mean
Trump’s comments tied Hamas’s stated willingness to negotiate to a broader plan aimed at ending the Gaza war. He argued that halting bombardments would help secure the hostage releases “safely and quickly,” while enabling humanitarian aid to reach civilians in need. The plan he promotes envisions a ceasefire, a comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the creation of a transitional administration for the territory. Critics warn that credibility hinges on verifiable steps and enforceable guarantees, not just statements from leaders facing intense domestic and regional pressure.
Hamas response and the gap on disarmament
Hamas responded by saying Trump’s remarks were encouraging and that it was ready to enter negotiations for the hostage release through mediators. However, the group underscored a critical caveat: it would not disarm before Israel ends its occupation of Gaza. This reflects a long-running impasse over security guarantees and the sequencing of concessions. In its response, Hamas indicated support for some terms in Trump’s proposal but insisted on negotiating details and retaining a say in Gaza’s future governance, including proposals to place administration in the hands of independents or technocrats with broader Arab and Islamic backing.
Details of the plan and what’s negotiable
The Trump plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of all hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, followed by a transitional government supported by international observers. Hamas’s reluctance to embrace immediate disarmament or a rapid withdrawal structure underscores enduring disputes about security guarantees, control over borders, and the role of mediators in overseeing a transition. The group’s willingness to discuss “details” suggests a potential for shrink-wrapped compromises, but substantial gaps remain on governance and disarmament timelines.
Regional reactions and international mediation
Regional actors signaled interest and caution. Egypt said it hoped the Hamas response would lead all sides to implement the plan, and pledged to work with Arab states, the United States, and European partners to reach a permanent ceasefire. Qatar also engaged in coordination with mediator Egypt and the US to sustain talks. The United Nations and aid organizations framed Trump’s plan as a possible window of opportunity to deliver life-saving relief and to secure the release of hostages, while reiterating that civilian protection and uninterrupted aid access remain essential.
What happens next
As the two-year conflict continues to exact a heavy civilian toll, Washington urged Hamas to formally accept the proposal by a Sunday deadline, while Israel has largely aligned with the framework presented. The upcoming days will test whether both sides can translate statements into concrete actions—progress on disarmament, credible guarantees of a safe withdrawal, and an effective governance plan for Gaza. The dynamics surrounding mediator roles, verification, and enforcement will be crucial to preventing a renewed escalation.
Impact on civilians and the path to a ceasefire
Humanitarian groups have warned that any pause in fighting must be matched by real-terms relief and safe corridors for aid, else the civilian population bears the brunt of renewed violence. The international community continues to press for access, protection of civilians, and a sustainable ceasefire that can outlast stalled negotiations. If Trump’s plan can translate into verifiable steps, it could offer a chance to avert another round of devastation while giving hostages a route home and civilians a lifeline amid the enduring crisis.
