Washington, October 4(HS): US President Donald Trump issued a direct appeal for Israel to immediately cease its bombing campaign in Gaza, marking a pivotal moment as Hamas agreed to major elements of his proposed peace plan—including the release of all remaining Israeli hostages.

Trump described the breakthrough as a “very special day,” praising the unity among American allies and regional mediators for their role in advancing the negotiations.

In a public statement, Trump emphasized the urgency of halting military operations, asserting that ongoing airstrikes made the safe return of hostages impossible.

“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,” he declared. While calling for rapid implementation, he recognized that finalizing the details would require continued discussion among all parties involved.

Israel Signals Readiness Amid Operational Vigilance

Israel’s prime minister’s office confirmed preparations to execute the initial phase of the Trump plan, focusing on the safe retrieval of hostages, but stressed the need for military protection and readiness given the fluid situation. The Israeli Defense Forces underscored operational caution, allocating significant resources to protect their personnel during the delicate transition and maintaining a state of high alert to respond to potential threats.

Hamas Accepts Core Elements but Seeks Further Talks

Hamas’s conditional acceptance addressed the release of all hostages, a permanent end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, increased humanitarian access, and safeguards against the displacement of Gaza residents. While welcoming the progress, the Palestinian group also highlighted outstanding issues, particularly concerning the future governance of Gaza and its own political role, and called for additional negotiations to resolve these questions.

Broader Context and Ongoing Challenges

The developments follow two years of devastating conflict triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack, which saw significant loss of life on both sides and widespread destruction in Gaza. The war has left Israel increasingly isolated internationally and Gaza facing a severe humanitarian crisis, including famine in some areas due to aid restrictions.

With all sides expressing cautious optimism, the immediate focus shifts to operationalizing the hostage release, sustaining the cessation of violence, and advancing broader negotiations toward a lasting regional settlement. The coming days will test both the durability of the ceasefire and the political will to address the deeply rooted disputes that have fueled the conflict.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar