Ceasefire Hopes and Continued Bombardment as Trump Proposes Gaza Deal
Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza are ongoing, with former U.S. President Donald trump presenting a plan that calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours,Hamas’s surrender of governing power too a U.S.-led transnational authority, and the laying down of its arms. In return, israel would gradually withdraw troops from Gaza and release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, alongside a surge in humanitarian and reconstruction aid for the territory, parts of which are experiencing famine.
Trump shared a map outlining an initial Israeli troop withdrawal line, ranging from 1.2 to 4 miles deep into Gaza, stating a ceasefire would begin immediately upon Hamas’s agreement to this demarcation. The full plan envisions a complete Israeli withdrawal to a buffer zone at the edge of Gaza, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated troops would remain in much of Gaza regardless of any deal.
Despite Trump’s call for a halt to the assault and reported orders for “defensive operations” only, Israeli bombardment of Gaza has continued. Recent strikes in Gaza City have resulted in at least eight deaths, and four individuals were shot dead while seeking aid in the south of the strip.While some bombing has ceased in certain areas, officials confirm “no ceasefire is in place at this point in time.”
Optimism regarding a potential ceasefire has been voiced internationally, with Western and Arab leaders urging both hamas and Israel to reach an agreement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for the Trump plan to Netanyahu,calling it “the best chance for peace.” israeli officials have also indicated hope for announcing an end to the war in the coming days.
A senior Hamas official stated the group is “very keen to reach an agreement to end the war and immediately begin the prisoner exchange process in accordance with the field conditions.” However,Trump also warned Hamas of “complete obliteration” if a deal is not reached,and claimed Netanyahu is in agreement with ending the bombing.
Since the start of Israel’s military campaign in response to the October 7th Hamas-led attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, at least 67,139 Palestinians have been killed and around 170,000 injured in Gaza, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.The ministry reports roughly half of those killed were women and children.
The UN commission of inquiry, alongside several human rights groups and the International Association of Genocide Scholars, have concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel denies these accusations,maintaining its actions are in self-defense.
