Trump Demands Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as Hamas Agrees to Hostage Release in Peace Plan

Trump Urges Israel to Halt Gaza Operations

United States President Donald Trump on Friday, October 3, 2025, publicly demanded that Israel 'immediately stop the bombing of Gaza' following an announcement from Hamas that it had agreed in principle to parts of his comprehensive peace proposal. The President stated on his Truth Social platform, 'Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!'

This directive came after Hamas communicated its acceptance of core elements of the 20-point peace plan, which aims to end the nearly two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip. The plan, unveiled by President Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the week, includes provisions for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages.

Hamas Agrees to Hostage Release and Transitional Governance

Hamas confirmed its willingness to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, 'according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal.' The militant group also signaled readiness to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, a key component of Trump's plan for future governance.

While Hamas expressed its agreement to these critical points, it indicated that other aspects of the proposal would require further negotiations. Specifically, the issue of disarmament of Hamas, a central demand in Trump's plan, was not explicitly accepted by the group, with senior officials suggesting it would not disarm before Israel's occupation ends.

Israel Prepares for Implementation Amidst Continued Strikes

Following Hamas's response, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office issued a statement indicating that Israel was preparing for the 'immediate implementation' of the first stage of Trump's plan for the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media reported that the country's political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza. However, despite Trump's call for a halt, reports on Saturday, October 4, 2025, indicated that Israeli strikes continued, with at least 21 people killed in bombardments and airstrikes across the enclave. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff reportedly instructed forces to advance readiness for the plan's first phase without explicitly mentioning a reduction in military activity.

Key Elements of Trump's Peace Plan

President Trump's 20-point proposal, designed to address the ongoing Gaza war and broader Middle Eastern crisis, includes several critical components:

• An immediate ceasefire.
• The exchange of all Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
• A staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
• The disarmament of Hamas.
• The introduction of a transitional government led by an international body or Palestinian technocrats.
• A guarantee that no one will be forced to leave Gaza.
• A surge of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts for the devastated region.
• A conditional pathway toward Palestinian statehood.

The plan has garnered significant international support, with leaders from countries including Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada welcoming the initiative and urging all parties to seize the opportunity for peace.