U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed Israel to cease its airstrikes on Gaza following Hamas’s partial acceptance of his proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict and securing the release of remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack.
Hamas announced its willingness to release hostages and transfer authority to other Palestinian factions, but said parts of the peace plan still need further internal consultation. Senior leaders indicated that significant disagreements remain and will require more negotiation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to begin implementing the first phase of Trump’s proposal, apparently referring to the release of hostages. However, his office emphasized that Israel remains committed to its own conditions for ending the war, without addressing differences with Hamas.
Trump responded positively to Hamas’s announcement, stating, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.” He urged Israel to stop the bombardment of Gaza to ensure the safe release of hostages, saying, “It’s far too dangerous right now,” and noted that discussions on the plan’s finer points are ongoing.
Hamas stressed that issues concerning Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights must be resolved collectively with other Palestinian groups and based on international law. Notably, the statement did not address disarmament — a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s plan.
Broad Support for Ceasefire Initiative
With the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack approaching, Trump appears eager to fulfill promises to end the war and secure the hostages' release.
Key mediators Egypt and Qatar welcomed the latest developments. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari confirmed continued talks on the peace proposal.
The U.N. also voiced support, with a spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres urging all sides to seize this chance to end the war. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed optimism, stating a ceasefire and hostage release are “within reach.”
An organization representing families of Israeli hostages backed Trump’s call to stop fighting, urging the Israeli government to launch swift negotiations to bring all hostages home.
Trump’s Peace Plan Explained
Earlier, Trump had warned that Hamas must accept the proposal by Sunday evening or face devastating military consequences, writing: “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL... will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
The plan, unveiled by Trump earlier this week alongside Netanyahu, outlines that Hamas would release the 48 remaining hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days, relinquish control of Gaza, and disarm.
In exchange, Israel would halt its offensive, withdraw from much of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction to flow in. Proposals to relocate Gazans abroad would be abandoned.
Gaza, home to roughly 2 million Palestinians, would come under international administration, with Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it. The plan does not include provisions for reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank or the creation of a Palestinian state — a long-standing Palestinian demand.
While many Palestinians are desperate for an end to the war, they see the proposal — like previous U.S. plans — as skewed in favor of Israel.
Hamas Voices Concerns in Media
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that the plan cannot move forward without proper negotiations. He said Hamas was willing to return all hostages based on the plan’s proposed exchange formula, and reaffirmed its openness to handing governance over to an independent Palestinian body.
However, he noted practical challenges in retrieving the remains of some hostages, possibly requiring weeks.
Abu Marzouk said Hamas was open to surrendering its weapons to a future Palestinian authority, although this was not included in Hamas’s formal statement.
Another senior Hamas figure, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby TV that Hamas firmly rejects any foreign control or administration of Gaza.
Increased Pressure on Hamas
Since ending a previous ceasefire in March, Israel has intensified pressure on Hamas — blocking food, medicine, and supplies, while devastating large areas of Gaza. Famine was declared in Gaza City before Israel launched its latest offensive there. Over 400,000 people have fled, and hundreds of thousands remain trapped.
Olga Cherevko, a U.N. humanitarian spokesperson, described scenes of displaced families living in the parking lot of Shifa Hospital, unable to flee south due to poverty. She described vulnerable cases including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Although many of Hamas’s top leaders and fighters in Gaza have been killed, the group retains influence in areas outside Israeli control and continues launching sporadic attacks.
Hamas maintains that it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal — conditions Netanyahu has so far rejected, demanding Hamas disarm and surrender.
Marking Two Years Since the October 7 Attack
On October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas-led fighters infiltrated Israel, killing around 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking 251 hostages. Many have since been released through ceasefires or other agreements.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. The U.N. and other independent observers regard its casualty figures as the most accurate available. The ministry reports that about half of the dead are women and children.
The war has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, with many fleeing multiple times. Large portions of the territory have been left in ruins.
Both the Biden and Trump administrations have provided strong support to Israel while also working to end the fighting and secure the hostages' return.