Israel’s latest airstrikes killed six in Gaza, hours after Donald Trump urged an end to the bombardment and announced Hamas’ readiness for peace.
Israel carried out fresh strikes in Gaza on Saturday, killing six people just hours after US President Donald Trump directed an end to the bombardment and announced that Hamas was ready for peace.
According to local authorities, one Israeli strike hit a house in Gaza City, killing four people, while another strike in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, killed two others.
The attacks came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for an “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan, which involves the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas’ response. Israeli media later reported that the country’s political leadership had instructed the military to reduce offensive operations in the enclave.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s role in the emerging Gaza peace framework.
“We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward,” PM Modi said in a statement on X.
The Israeli military chief of staff said in a statement that forces were advancing readiness for the implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan, though the statement did not clarify whether military activity in Gaza would be reduced.
Trump, who has positioned himself as the only leader capable of achieving peace in Gaza, said on Friday that Hamas appeared “ready for a lasting PEACE.” He called on Netanyahu’s government to halt its bombing campaign.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “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.”
Netanyahu’s office responded that 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.”
Before Israel’s latest strikes, families of hostages held by Hamas had urged Netanyahu to “immediately order negotiations for the return of all hostages.” The prime minister faces mounting domestic pressure to end the war from hostage families and a war-fatigued public while contending with far-right coalition partners who demand the offensive continue.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel says 48 hostages remain, including 20 who are alive.
Gaza health authorities say Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 66,000 people, mostly civilians. The prolonged assault has devastated the enclave, with aid restrictions triggering famine conditions and worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.(IT)
