This creates a critical window for a potential ceasefire and complex negotiations on the remaining issues. (Image: Ref)
In a dramatic shift, US President Donald Trump has ordered Israel to immediately cease its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip. This decisive command came just hours after the militant group Hamas stated it would agree to a key part of his peace proposal: the release of all remaining hostages. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that,” Trump declared, signaling a critical moment in the nearly two-year-long conflict.
The Palestinian group issued a formal statement accepting a central component of the US-led peace plan. “The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages -- living and remains -- according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal,” the Hamas statement said. This means the group is prepared to hand over the 48 hostages it still holds, who were captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks. According to the Associated Press, 20 of these individuals are believed to be alive, while the rest are deceased.
Also Read: Breaking: Hamas Says It Will Release All Hostages Under Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal
President Trump justified his direct order to Israel by emphasizing the safety of the hostage retrieval operation. He stated that the current intensity of the bombing makes it "far too dangerous" to safely extract the hostages from the war-torn territory. This action indicates that the US is giving the swift repatriation of its nationals top priority. Trump also said that talks to settle the operational specifics are already in progress, suggesting that negotiations will likely proceed quickly to possible implementation.
Also Read: Hamas Responds to Trump’s Deadline, Gives Partial Nod to Gaza Plan | Seeks Further Negotiations
The suggested agreement goes beyond exchanging hostages. In his comprehensive plan for Gaza, Trump calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the evacuation of Israeli military forces from Palestinian territory. It also proposes a path toward establishing a new government in the Palestinian territories. However, Hamas has so far only agreed to the hostage provision, avoiding commitment to other vexing issues like disarmament and seeking further negotiations on those points.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reference to public statements and inputs from news agency reports.
