Israeli forces launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, killing six people, according to local authorities, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that Hamas had signalled readiness to pursue peace, release hostages, and accept parts of a US-brokered plan to end the ongoing conflict. Medical workers reported that four people were killed when a house was struck in Gaza City, while two others died in a separate attack in Khan Younis, in the south of the enclave.
In a statement issued early Saturday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the initial phase of Trump’s Gaza peace proposal, following Hamas’ official response.
Shortly afterwards, Israeli media reported that top political leaders had instructed the military to scale back offensive operations in Gaza. However, a statement from the Israeli Chief of Staff later directed the military to prepare for the execution of the first stage of the plan, without explicitly confirming a reduction in military activity.
Hamas, submitted its reply to Trump’s 20-point peace framework ahead of a Sunday deadline set by the president. Trump had warned the group of serious consequences if the proposal was rejected. The US president has positioned himself as the key figure capable of resolving the two-year-long conflict, which has left tens of thousands dead and strained Israel’s standing on the international stage.
On Friday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, stating he believed Hamas had demonstrated a genuine interest in peace. “Hamas has shown that it is ready for a lasting PEACE,” he wrote, adding, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump emphasised that discussions were already underway regarding the practical details of the agreement and described the plan as a broader push for “long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” not just an end to the Gaza conflict.
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office released a statement expressing alignment with the US initiative. “Israel will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision,” the statement read.
Calls for an end to the war have grown louder inside Israel, particularly from the families of hostages still held in Gaza. Prior to the Israeli government’s latest statements, relatives urged Netanyahu to begin direct negotiations for the release of all remaining captives. The Prime Minister faces increasing pressure both from the Israeli public, fatigued by the prolonged conflict, and from far-right coalition members who demand continued military operations in Gaza.
Israel launched its campaign in the enclave following the 7 October 2023 attacks, when Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Of those, Israeli officials say 48 remain in captivity, with 20 confirmed to be alive. The war has exacted a devastating human cost in Gaza. According to health authorities in the territory, over 66,000 people have been killed, the majority of whom are civilians.
