Trump tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza, saying Hamas is ready for peace By Reuters
Key Takeaways
- President Trump demanded Israel immediately stop bombing Gaza following Hamas's conditional agreement to a U.S.-backed peace proposal.
- Key unresolved issues in the proposed deal include Hamas's disarmament and the specifics of Israeli troop withdrawal.
- Despite Trump's call, residents reported that Israeli military forces continued shelling and bombing in Gaza City.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is under domestic pressure from hostage families and the public to move forward, while facing opposition from hardline coalition members.
- The conflict's background includes the October 7th attack and has resulted in over 66,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Gaza health authorities.
President Donald Trump publicly pressed Israel to cease its bombing of Gaza immediately after Hamas indicated acceptance of key components of a U.S.-proposed framework to end the conflict, contingent on hostage releases. Trump, asserting he is the key to peace, placed the responsibility on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, stating Hamas showed readiness for a lasting peace. However, significant hurdles persist, notably Hamas's silence on disarmament and the specifics of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Residents reported that Israeli military action, including tank and plane bombardments, continued in Gaza City even after Trump's public plea. Domestically, Netanyahu faces pressure from hostage families and the public to accept a deal, balanced against demands from his far-right coalition partners who oppose any let-up in the military campaign. French President Emmanuel Macron also urged immediate follow-up on Hamas's commitment, as the conflict's devastating toll continues, with over 66,000 killed in Gaza according to local health authorities.
