Gaza: Israeli airstrikes kill 6 after Trump calls for peace
What's the story
Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed six people across the Gaza Strip, local authorities reported. The strikes came hours after United States President Donald Trump called for an end to the bombings and said Hamas was willing to release hostages and respond to parts of a US peace plan. The Israeli military chief of staff said forces were preparing for Trump's plan's first phase, but did not confirm any reduction in military activity.
Peace proposal
Trump proposes 20-point peace plan
Trump had proposed a 20-point peace plan, giving Hamas a deadline to agree or face "grave consequences." He urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza for the safe release of hostages. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" He added that discussions were underway about broader Middle East peace.
Ongoing conflict
Over 6,000 people killed in Gaza
The latest Israeli military campaign has killed over 6,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities. The assault has destroyed much of the strip, and aid restrictions have triggered famine conditions in parts of Gaza. Netanyahu's office said Israel would work with Trump to end the war according to principles that align with his vision.
Negotiation calls
Hostage families urge Netanyahu to start negotiations
Before Israel's latest announcements, families of hostages in Gaza had urged Netanyahu to start negotiations for their return. Domestically, the prime minister is under pressure from hostage families and a war-weary public to end the conflict. However, hardline members of his far-right coalition demand no reduction in military operations in Gaza. The conflict began after a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages back to Gaza.