Trump urges Israel to pause Gaza strikes as Hamas signals partial acceptance of peace plan
<p>GAZA STRIP: Former US President Donald Trump on Friday called on Israel to halt its airstrikes on Gaza, following Hamas’ announcement that it is prepared to accept parts of his proposed peace plan. The militant group said it is ready to release hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack and hand over power to other Palestinian authorities, though it stopped short of agreeing to all provisions of the deal.</p><p>The development comes as the Gaza war nears its two-year mark, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed and millions displaced, while international pressure mounts for a breakthrough.</p><h3>Hamas’ Partial Acceptance</h3><p>Hamas spokesman Taher Al Nunu told AFP that the group is willing to begin negotiations aimed at a prisoner exchange, a ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Hamas did not directly address Trump’s demand for the group to disarm, which remains one of the most contentious issues. Senior Hamas officials emphasized that while they are open to the hostage release and power-sharing aspects of the plan, major disagreements remain over foreign oversight and long-term governance of Gaza.</p><p>“The hostages should come home, and we are ready to move forward,” said Al Nunu, adding that the final decision would require broader consultation among Palestinian factions.</p><h3>Israel’s Response</h3><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded cautiously, stating that his government is prepared to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan, which focuses primarily on hostage release. Israel, however, has not committed to halting military operations entirely and insists it will pursue its own war objectives.</p><p>Netanyahu’s office stressed that Israel’s security concerns remain paramount, signaling that while the hostage issue is a priority, disarmament and the future of Hamas are still unresolved.</p><h3>Trump’s Proposal</h3><p>Trump’s 20-point peace plan calls for Hamas to release 48 hostages within 72 hours, surrender weapons, and cede authority to a transitional governing body. In exchange, Israel would withdraw from Gaza, release Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction to flow into the devastated territory.</p><p>A joint international stabilization force, co-led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, would oversee security and rebuilding efforts. This proposed international authority is one of the most controversial elements of the plan, with Hamas expressing deep skepticism over what it perceives as foreign control of Palestinian land.</p><p>Trump has given Hamas until Sunday evening to fully accept the proposal, warning of “all hell” if the group rejects it.</p><h3>Humanitarian Crisis</h3><p>For civilians trapped in Gaza, the announcement sparked both relief and uncertainty. “When I read that there may finally be an end to this war, my body trembled,” said Samah Al-Hu, a displaced resident of Al Mawasi. “We want peace, but we also fear that nothing will change.”</p><p>The humanitarian toll remains catastrophic. Gaza’s civil defense reported that at least 11 people were killed in Friday’s bombardments, adding to a death toll that has surpassed 66,000 since the conflict began. Over 1,200 Israelis were also killed in the initial Hamas assault and subsequent fighting. With famine spreading and infrastructure shattered, nearly two million residents remain displaced within the enclave.</p><h3>International Support and Pressure</h3><p>Trump’s push has received widespread backing from regional and global powers. Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations have all urged Hamas and Israel to seize the opportunity, while European leaders praised the hostage-release provision as a potential breakthrough.</p><p>Despite these endorsements, skepticism lingers. Hamas leaders remain divided over the conditions, particularly the disarmament demand and the 72-hour deadline. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have privately voiced doubts about Hamas’ willingness to surrender power after nearly two decades of control in Gaza.</p><h3>What the Plan Means</h3><p><strong>For Hamas:</strong> The plan requires disarmament and political surrender in exchange for amnesty and safe passage for those who wish to leave Gaza.</p><p><strong>For Israel:</strong> It promises the safe return of hostages and a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision.</p><p><strong>For Palestinians:</strong> The proposal could end bombings, deliver urgent aid, secure prisoner releases, and pave the way for reconstruction.</p><h3>The Road Ahead</h3><p>As the deadline looms, the conflict remains as deadly as ever. Heavy bombardment continued across Gaza City on Friday, underscoring the fragility of the peace initiative. For Trump, the success of his plan could define his role in Middle East diplomacy, while for the people of Gaza and Israel, it could mark either the long-awaited end of war or yet another false dawn.</p>