Trump Tells Israel to Halt Gaza Bombing After Hamas Agrees to Free Hostages Under U.S. Peace Plan

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the United States President, Donald Trump, has called on Israel to immediately stop its bombardment of Gaza following Hamas’ agreement to release hostages as part of a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending the protracted conflict.

OTN News further reports as gathered from Reuters, that Trump made the appeal on his Truth Social platform, urging Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages. 

According to Reuters, Trump stressed that the development was not solely about Gaza but about achieving long-sought peace across the Middle East.

“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!

“We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

OTN News observes that his remarks came as Israeli forces continued to shell and launch airstrikes across Gaza, with residents reporting heavy bombardments on Talateeni Street in Gaza City, as well as intensified raids in the Remal neighborhood and Khan Younis. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

In response to Trump’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the government was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan. 

The statement added that Israel “will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”

OTN News further observes that Israeli media reported that the country’s political leadership had instructed the military to scale down its operations, though the army’s chief of staff maintained that troops were “advancing readiness” for Trump’s proposal.

In a written response, Hamas expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts by Arab, Islamic, and international actors, as well as Trump’s direct involvement. 

The group confirmed its approval to release all Israeli prisoners both living and deceased based on the terms outlined in Trump’s plan, provided that field conditions allow for safe implementation.

“Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, and the immediate entry of aid,” the statement read.

The group also indicated its readiness to hand over administrative control of Gaza to a non-partisan Palestinian technocratic body supported by Arab and Islamic nations. 

However, Hamas stopped short of agreeing to disarmament or accepting phased Israeli withdrawal, key components of Trump’s roadmap.

A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that disarmament could only occur after Israel’s occupation ends, underscoring persistent gaps between the parties despite growing international pressure.

The ongoing conflict, now entering its second year, erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Israeli authorities say 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

Gaza’s health ministry reports over 66,000 deaths since the war began, mostly civilians, while severe food shortages and aid restrictions have plunged parts of the enclave into famine.

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry and human rights experts have accused Israel of genocide, a charge strongly denied by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who insists that Israel’s actions are acts of self-defence.

Trump’s peace proposal calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas’ eventual disarmament, and the establishment of a transitional administration under international supervision, a plan many observers say could mark the most significant diplomatic intervention in the conflict to date.