GAZA: Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, Israeli military operations continued, resulting in at least 70 Palestinian casualties, including women and children.
The attacks targeted residential areas in Gaza City and Khan Younis, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
On Friday, President Trump urged Israel to cease its bombardment following Hamas’s partial acceptance of his 20-point peace plan, which includes provisions for a ceasefire, hostage release, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas agreed to release 47 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners but did not commit to disarmament or relinquishing control of Gaza. Trump welcomed this response but emphasized the urgency of halting violence to facilitate the peace process.
In response to Trump’s call, Israeli political leaders ordered a pause in military operations in Gaza City, shifting to defensive actions. However, Israeli airstrikes persisted in other parts of Gaza, leading to civilian casualties. The Israeli military stated that it targeted Hamas militants but acknowledged the risk of civilian harm and expressed regret for any unintended casualties.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths since its escalation in October 2023. International calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance have intensified as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
U.S. envoys are scheduled to meet with Israeli and Hamas representatives in Cairo to finalize details of the proposed peace plan, including the release of hostages and the establishment of a transitional governance structure in Gaza. While some progress has been made, key issues remain unresolved, and the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain.
