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Donald Trump also issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying that they should act “quickly” and any delay or outcome that leaves Gaza as a security threat “will not be tolerated.”
US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump on Saturday appreciated Israel for temporarily ceasing the bombing operations in Gaza, asserting the pause must be used to finalise a crucial hostage release and peace deal. However, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying that they should act “quickly” and any delay or outcome that leaves Gaza as a security threat “will not be tolerated.”
“I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!” the US President said in a post on Truth Social.
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Israel Bombs Gaza After Trump Asks To Stop Strikes
Trump claimed that Israel had paused its bombardment of Gaza; however, Israel launched airstrikes on the region that claimed over 40 lives on Saturday, Al Jazeera reported.
As per Reuters, Israeli fire killed six people today morning. One strike killed four people in a house in Gaza City, while another killed two others in Khan Younis, authorities said. The Israel Defense Force has said that a large part of the enclave remains a dangerous combat zone.
It further said that it was continuing its offensive in Gaza City and warned residents not to return to the area, even after Trump’s appeal.
“The IDF troops are still operating in Gaza City, and returning to it is extremely dangerous. For your safety, avoid returning north or approaching areas of IDF troop activity anywhere — including in the southern Gaza Strip,” the military’s Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, said on X.
Hamas’s Partial Acceptance Of Trump’s Proposal
The attacks came after Hamas said on Friday that it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, and expressed willingness to negotiate through mediators on Trump’s 20-point plan for peace.
“President Trump’s statements on the immediate cessation of Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip are encouraging,” Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nunu told AFP.
“Hamas is ready to immediately begin negotiations to achieve a prisoner exchange, end the war and ensure the withdrawal of the (Israeli) army from the Gaza Strip,” he added.
Trump had hailed an earlier statement from Hamas that it was committed to a “lasting peace”, in response to the US leader giving the group until 2200 GMT on Sunday to accept his 20-point plan or else face “all hell”.
On Friday, Trump had said that Hamas must agree to the proposed peace deal by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught. The territory of some two million Palestinians would be placed under international governance, with Trump himself and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it. The plan provides no path for eventual reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank in a future Palestinian state, according to Associated Press.
IDF Advance Preparations For First Phase Of Trump’s Plan
Meanwhile, Israel’s army said that it would advance preparations for the first phase of Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.
The army said it was instructed by Israel’s leaders to “advance readiness” for the implementation of the plan. An official who was not authorised to speak to the media on the record said that Israel has moved to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not actively strike. The official said no forces have been removed from the strip.
Trump’s Gaza plan ‘full of dangers,’ Says Hezbollah
Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed that Washington’s plan for a ceasefire in Gaza was “full of dangers,” and accused Israel of using the proposal to achieve what it “failed” to do during the war.
Naim Qassem, the leader of the terror group, suggested Israel would use the plan as a pretext to take over the land and strip Palestinians of their self-determination, but says the decision of whether to accept it was ultimately Hamas, AFP reported.
“In fact, this plan is a plan full of dangers,” Qassem said in a speech commemorating two Hezbollah commanders killed during the terror group’s war with Israel.
World Leaders React To Gaza Deal
After Hamas signalled its acceptance of the peace plan, international reactions started pouring in.
Qatar welcomed Hamas’ announcement, saying, “We welcome the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump’s plan,” said foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari.
Egypt also expressed hope, saying, “This positive development will lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump’s plan on the ground and end the war.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Hamas’ reply to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, “Constructive and a significant step toward achieving lasting peace.” He also urged Israel to end its genocide in Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Hamas’ announcement. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said, “The UN chief urges all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’ response a significant step. “I strongly support President Trump’s efforts, which have brought us closer to peace than ever before. There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it.”
According to Associated Press, the death toll in the nearly two-year Israel-Hamas war has passed 67,000 Palestinians, citing Gaza’s Health Ministry. The death toll jumped after the Ministry said it added more than 700 names to the list whose data had been verified.
Tuesday would mark the second anniversary of the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, with the Hamas-led militant attacks on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 abducted. Of the 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, Israel believes that 20 are still alive.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
October 04, 2025, 21:56 IST
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 "‘I will not tolerate delay’: Trump warns Hamas to ‘move quickly’ on Gaza peace plan ‘else all bets will be off’")
