The Israeli military has been ordered to halt its campaign in Gaza City by its political leadership, according to army radio, while preparing for the first phase of Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and release all hostages. The military stated it was directed to “advance readiness” for the plan, with operations to be reduced to a minimum, focusing only on defensive strikes.
Despite the order, Israel continued strikes on Gaza City and the wider Gaza Strip on Saturday, killing at least six Palestinian civilians, including two children, in attacks on a house and a tent for displaced people. Drones also targeted a gathering near a bakery, killing dozens, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Israeli military warned residents not to return to northern Gaza or Gaza City.
The orders came after US President Donald Trump demanded Israel cease bombing late on Friday, following Hamas’s partial acceptance of his proposal. Hamas agreed to release all 48 remaining hostages and surrender governing power, while calling for further negotiations. Trump said Hamas was ready for peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was committed to ending the war.
Israeli opposition politician Yair Lapid called the Trump plan a “genuine opportunity” and said he would support Netanyahu politically to finalise the deal. Israeli negotiating teams have been instructed to resume talks to implement the first phase. The plan includes an immediate ceasefire, hostage-prisoner swap, gradual Israeli withdrawal, disarmament of Hamas, and a transitional authority led by Trump.
Islamic Jihad, a hardline militant group aligned with Hamas, backed Hamas’s response, signalling broader support. However, Hamas’s reply did not mention disarmament, an issue likely to be addressed in future talks. The Gaza war has killed at least 67,074 Palestinians, according to local health officials, with widespread hunger and displacement.
