As the Gaza peace plan gains momentum, US President Donald Trump on Saturday shared a photo on his Truth Social account showing a massive rally in Tel Aviv demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Tens of thousands gathered at Hostages Square, waving flags and banners — one of which read, “It’s now or never.” Former hostages also addressed the crowd, expressing cautious optimism about Trump’s proposed peace plan, according to the Times of Israel.
Trump Announces Israel’s Agreement on Gaza Withdrawal
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump revealed that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” for Gaza, setting the stage for an immediate ceasefire once Hamas confirms the deal.
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!”
The release of hostages captured during the October 7 attacks remains a top Israeli demand, and Trump’s comments suggest both sides may be edging closer to an agreement.
Trump Orders Israel to Halt Bombing in Gaza
On Friday, Trump publicly urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, following reports that Hamas accepted parts of the peace proposal and agreed to release the remaining hostages.
“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. 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.”
Despite Trump’s directive, Israeli airstrikes continued on Saturday, killing at least 36 people, according to local reports.
Casualties Continue Despite Ceasefire Push
According to Reuters, 18 people were killed in separate incidents across Gaza, while another 18 civilians, including children, died after an Israeli strike on a house in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City.
Israeli military officials claimed the strike targeted a Hamas militant who posed a threat to its troops.
In a statement, the military said: “The military regrets any harm caused to uninvolved civilians and works to mitigate harm to uninvolved civilians as much as possible.”
The escalating violence underscores the fragile state of the proposed ceasefire and hostage exchange, as diplomatic efforts intensify to bring stability to the Middle East.
