President Donald Trump ordered Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza after Hamas partially accepted a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict that started with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Hamas agreed to release all remaining 48 Israeli hostages and expressed willingness to transfer control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian body. However, the group emphasized that certain details regarding Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights necessitate further discussions with other Palestinian factions and did not commit to disarmament, a critical Israeli demand.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed optimism, suggesting Hamas’s readiness for peace and emphasizing the need for an immediate halt to bombings to ensure the safe return of hostages.
The proposed 20-point plan includes a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and international governance of Gaza by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, excluding the contentious issues of Gaza’s reunification with the West Bank and Hamas’s disarmament.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded cautiously, reiterating Israel’s goals of eliminating Hamas and ensuring the safe release of all hostages. Key mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the U.N. Secretary-General, along with international leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
With over 66,000 Palestinian deaths and approximately 90% of the population displaced. As negotiations progress, the international community remains hopeful that this initiative will lead to a sustainable resolution and lasting peace in the region.
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