Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip late Saturday, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged a halt to bombing to broker a peace deal and secure hostage releases.
According to the Independent, Trump’s proposed plan to end Israel’s nearly two-year war with Hamas saw mixed responses, as Israeli forces pressed forward with attacks and Hamas signaled tentative acceptance of aspects of the deal amid international mediation and continued civilian casualties.
Overnight strikes targeted multiple areas across Gaza, including Gaza City and neighborhoods such as Tuffah. According to Civil Defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal, the attacks destroyed 20 homes, intensifying a humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since the conflict began. Israeli leadership had reportedly instructed the military to prepare for the peace plan hours earlier, but stopped short of withdrawing troops.
The bombardment came in the wake of Trump’s announcement that he had directed Israel to stop airstrikes to safely extract hostages held by Hamas. The president stated via his Truth Social platform, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly.” He warned of severe consequences should the negotiation process stall before the end of Sunday. Multiple hospitals in Gaza reported new casualties from Saturday night’s offensive. Gaza City’s Baptist Hospital admitted victims from the Tuffah neighborhood, reporting four deaths and several injuries. Meanwhile, a drone strike on a displacement camp in Khan Younis killed two children and injured eight others, according to staff at Nasser Hospital.
Trump Plan Sees Qualified Support from Hamas and Allies
Trump’s proposal, which he unveiled earlier in the week, has drawn broad international backing. The plan includes a ceasefire, the release of 48 hostages — around 20 believed to be alive — and Hamas relinquishing control of Gaza, while Israel would halt military operations and facilitate humanitarian aid and future reconstruction efforts.
Trump stated that Hamas had accepted some elements of the plan, including the release of all remaining hostages. However, the group has not agreed to surrender its weapons, one of Israel’s core demands under the deal. Some Israeli officials remain skeptical that Hamas will fully demilitarize, a point that could collapse any breakthrough. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which had previously opposed negotiation attempts, expressed conditional support on Saturday, aligning itself with Hamas' response to Trump’s proposal. Arab mediators are also involved in discussions concerning the future political arrangement of Gaza and potential prisoner exchanges.
On the Ground: Scenes of Devastation and Disbelief
In Gaza, where more than 67,000 Palestinians have died since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, the recent attacks have further strained hopes for a resolution. The Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas but is considered credible by the United Nations and international analysts, confirmed that nearly half of the victims to date have been women and children. An additional 700 names were recently added to the official death toll.
Residents living in displacement zones voiced growing doubt about whether the proposed agreement would result in meaningful peace. Samir Abdel-Hady, who resides in Khan Younis, said people in Gaza “want a truce on the ground,” not just declarations. He emphasized the desire for visible action, not promises made from afar.
Military activity continues despite political maneuvering. Israeli troops maintain a siege around Gaza City, which the Israeli army calls a “dangerous combat zone.” Experts report that conditions there had reached famine before the latest offensive to occupy the territory began. An estimated 400,000 people have fled the city in recent days, though hundreds of thousands remain trapped.
Hostage Families Split Between Hope and Worry
While Trump’s involvement has sparked a new wave of negotiations, families of those held hostage by Hamas remain cautious. Yehuda Cohen, the father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, stated that relatives were placing their trust in Trump, noting, “He’s the only one who’s doing it.” Still, many relatives worry that interference by Hamas, Israeli leadership, or waning American interest could derail the delicate process.
Retired Israeli Gen. Amir Avivi added that any ceasefire would depend on Hamas disarming. “Israel can afford to stop firing for a few days,” he said. However, should Hamas fail to lay down arms, Avivi warned that the offense would resume without delay. An Israeli official told the Associated Press that while the military has shifted to a defensive posture within Gaza, there has been no reduction in troop presence. The Israeli government — led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — has officially endorsed Trump’s plan but emphasized the need for conditions to be met before fully implementing it.
Global Protests Highlight Rising Pressure
As the violence persists, mass protests against the war broke out across Europe over the weekend. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Barcelona, Spain, and others were expected in Italy and Portugal. International pressure on both sides continues to grow, particularly from populations critical of the humanitarian impact in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office released a rare late-night Sabbath statement on Friday, which many attributed to mounting U.S. pressure. The statement confirmed that the government is preparing a negotiating team but noted that a fixed travel date had yet to be scheduled. Israeli officials remain cautious amid hopes that Trump’s mediation will produce concrete results.
Despite momentary pauses and shifting military posture, Israel has not moved to withdraw forces from Gaza. As talks continue in Egypt and other capitals, the people most affected face growing skepticism. “What we want is practical implementation,” said Abdel-Hady. “We want a truce on the ground.”
