In a dramatic escalation of its diplomatic posture, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” following Hamas’s announcement that it accepts parts of his 20-point peace proposal. Trump argued that the cessation of Israeli air strikes is necessary to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages, saying that “right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that.”
Trump’s demand came shortly after Hamas publicly committed to key components of the proposal, including releasing all captives—living and deceased—and transferring administrative control of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian body under consensus. In response, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted readiness to launch the first phase of the deal, primarily the hostage release.
Despite Trump’s order, reports indicate Israel’s military operations did not immediately stop. Witnesses in Gaza said bombing continued in parts of the enclave, including Gaza City and Khan Younis, shortly after Trump’s statement. Some Israeli political institutions reportedly directed troops to reduce offensive activity and shift to defensive postures, though they stopped short of a full halt.
On social media and in public remarks, Trump framed Hamas’s partial acceptance as a sign it was “ready for a lasting PEACE,” and he placed the responsibility on Israel to cease attacks to allow progress. Meanwhile, mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signaled they would intensify efforts to broker follow-on talks over unresolved terms, including disarmament and governance.
The standoff underscores deep tensions: Israel remains under pressure to protect its hostages and maintain security, while critics argue that continued bombardment undercuts trust and endangers innocent civilians.
