US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Israel had agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza. He shared the update on his social media platform, Truth Social. “After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas,” Trump wrote.
Trump said Hamas had not yet responded to the plan. He added that if Hamas accepted it, the ceasefire would begin “immediately.” The exchange of hostages and prisoners would follow. “We will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000-year catastrophe,” he said.
Trump Warns of Deadline
However, Trump warned that “all hell” would break loose if no deal was reached by the end of Sunday. His message added pressure on both Israel and Hamas to act quickly.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the plan and confirmed Trump’s stance. “Our goal is to limit the negotiations to just a few days. Trump made it clear: We will not tolerate stalling tactics or evasions,” Netanyahu said on Saturday.
Netanyahu Explains Multi-Phase Plan
Later, Netanyahu outlined a multi-phase plan for Gaza’s future. He said Hamas must first release the hostages, while Israeli forces would “maintain control of all of the dominant areas deep inside the strip.”
He also made it clear that Hamas would be disarmed and Gaza would be demilitarised. “This will happen either through the diplomatic path by the Trump plan or through the military path, but it will be achieved,” Netanyahu said firmly.
Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire Call
Trump’s announcement came a day after he asked Israel to stop its bombing campaign in Gaza. On Truth Social, he wrote, “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.”
Despite his appeal, Israel launched several airstrikes across Gaza just hours later, according to Palestinian officials. The Gaza health ministry said at least 36 people had died since Trump’s ceasefire request.
Hamas Gives Partial Acceptance
On Friday, Hamas said it accepted parts of Trump’s proposal. The group agreed to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, under Trump’s exchange plan, if “the field conditions for the exchange are met.”
Hamas also praised Trump’s peace efforts. “Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, [and] the immediate entry of aid,” the group said in its statement.
Situation Remains Tense
For now, the situation in Gaza remains tense. Trump’s push for peace has renewed global attention, but violence continues to threaten the talks. The next few days will decide whether the ceasefire plan moves forward or the conflict deepens once again.