WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct 4, 2025 – U.S. President Trump issued a direct order to Israel on Saturday to immediately halt its bombing campaign in Gaza, hailing Hamas’s partial acceptance of his proposed peace plan as a breakthrough toward ending the protracted conflict. The announcement, which includes commitments from the militant group to release all remaining Israeli hostages, has elicited cautious optimism from mediators but drawn criticism over ongoing Israeli strikes that have claimed dozens of lives.
In a statement, Trump emphasized that Hamas’s agreement to key provisions—particularly the phased release of captives—signals readiness for “lasting peace,” crediting Arab allies for their diplomatic support in brokering the deal. “Hamas is ready for peace after agreeing to parts of my proposal, including releasing all Israeli captives,” Trump said, urging Israel to cease operations to facilitate safe extractions. He specifically thanked Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for their roles in the negotiations.
Israeli officials confirmed a suspension of airstrikes on Gaza City in response to Trump’s directive, transitioning forces to a defensive posture while preparing for the initial phase of the withdrawal outlined in the U.S.-backed framework. However, Palestinian health authorities reported at least 70 deaths from continued strikes overnight, underscoring tensions as the Israeli military maintains that parts of Gaza remain active “combat zones.” The discrepancy highlights fragile trust between the parties, with Netanyahu’s government insisting on verification of Hamas’s commitments before full compliance.
Hamas, in a formal response, pledged to free all 48 remaining Israeli hostages—approximately 20 believed alive—within 72 hours of ceasefire activation, contingent on finalized prisoner exchange terms and Israeli troop pullbacks. The group has endorsed core aspects of Trump’s 20-point Gaza reconstruction and governance proposal but seeks clarifications on post-war administration and aid flows.
Qatari and Egyptian mediators, instrumental in the talks, committed to ironing out remaining hurdles by Sunday evening, including mechanisms for Gaza’s long-term governance and humanitarian access. “We are on the cusp of a vital opportunity to end this bloodshed once and for all,” UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk echoed in a statement supporting the plan.
The developments come against a grim backdrop: Palestinian officials report the conflict’s death toll has surpassed 66,000 since reigniting in March after a prior truce collapsed, with widespread destruction hampering reconstruction efforts. Saudi and UAE diplomats, during closed-door sessions in Doha, threw their weight behind the proposal, pledging substantial funding for Gaza’s rebuilding to prevent future escalations.
World leaders and analysts remain divided on the plan’s viability. While Trump frames it as a personal triumph in Middle East diplomacy, skeptics—including some Israeli hardliners and Palestinian activists—warn of potential setbacks if Hamas’s internal factions or Israeli security concerns derail implementation. “This is huge, but trust is in short supply,” one anonymous U.S. official told reporters.
As negotiations intensify, all eyes turn to Cairo for next week’s high-level talks, where the fate of hostages, prisoners, and Gaza’s future hangs in the balance. Trump concluded his remarks with a call for unity: “Let’s get this done—peace is within reach.”
Source : AlJazeera