Israel carried out fresh airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday (October 4). The attacks came only hours after US President Donald Trump called for an immediate ceasefire. Trump had earlier announced that Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept key terms of a US-brokered peace plan, Reuters reported.

According to local officials, six people were killed in the strikes — four in Gaza City and two in Khan Younis in the south. Emergency workers immediately rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped under the rubble.

Israel Prepares for Trump’s Plan

Soon after Hamas’ response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel was preparing to begin the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan.

Shortly afterward, Israeli media reported that the government had instructed the military to scale back offensive operations. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff confirmed that troops were preparing to carry out the plan, though he did not specify whether combat activities would decrease.

In response, Hamas, which governs Gaza, replied to Trump’s 20-point peace plan after he gave the group until Sunday to agree or face “grave consequences.”

Trump Demands End to Bombing

Meanwhile, Trump continued to act as a key mediator in the conflict. He urged Israel to stop its attacks and focus on negotiations.

“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long-sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

Furthermore, Trump said he believed Hamas was ready for lasting peace, calling this moment “a historic opportunity” for stability in the region.

Israel Signals Cooperation

In response to Trump’s appeal, Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel would cooperate closely with Washington to end the war.

“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 said.

However, pressure inside Israel is mounting. Families of hostages and a war-weary public are urging Netanyahu to negotiate. On the other hand, hardline members of his coalition insist on continuing the military operations.

War Background and Toll

Israel launched its offensive after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Currently, 48 hostages remain, with 20 reportedly alive. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 66,000 Palestinians have died — most of them civilians.

As a result, much of Gaza now lies in ruins. The ongoing conflict has caused famine, displacement, and severe humanitarian suffering across the enclave.