Israeli airstrikes killed six people in Gaza on Saturday, hours after US President Donald Trump called for an immediate halt to the bombing.
The attacks came amid tense developments following Hamas’ tentative agreement to release hostages and accept parts of Trump’s peace plan.
Details of the Strikes
According to local authorities and medical workers:
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Four people died when an airstrike hit a house in Gaza City.
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Two others were killed in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated the country was preparing for “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan, aimed at releasing Israeli hostages after Hamas’ response.
Shortly after, Israeli media reported instructions from top political leaders to reduce military activity in Gaza.
Trump’s Role and Peace Efforts
President Trump, who has positioned himself as a key mediator, said he believed Hamas is ready for lasting peace. He urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza to ensure the safe release of hostages.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“This is not about Gaza alone. This is about long-sought peace in the Middle East.”
Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel’s cooperation with Trump’s team to end the war, aligning with the US proposal.
Ongoing Tensions and Domestic Pressure
Despite Trump’s call, Israel continues to face internal pressures:
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Hostage families demand immediate negotiations.
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Hardline coalition members oppose any reduction in military operations.
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Israel began its offensive in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, which killed roughly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Currently, Israel reports 48 hostages remain, 20 of whom are alive.
Humanitarian Toll in Gaza
The conflict has devastated Gaza:
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Over 66,000 fatalities, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
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Large-scale destruction of infrastructure.
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Aid restrictions triggering famine and worsening living conditions.
The US plan proposed by Trump outlines:
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Immediate ceasefire.
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Exchange of all hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
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Staged Israeli withdrawal.
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Disarmament of Hamas.
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Transitional governance supported by international bodies.
Hamas has agreed to release hostages and allow aid entry but has not confirmed full disarmament or political restrictions.
