CAIRO/GAZA – Israel scaled back its offensive in Gaza on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump called for an end to bombing, following Hamas’s agreement to key parts of his peace plan, including the release of hostages.
Despite a quieter day, at least 21 Palestinians, including children, were killed in Israeli strikes, medics said. The Gaza health ministry reported 66 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Trump urged Hamas to act quickly on his proposal, warning delays would jeopardize the deal. Washington confirmed envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were heading to Egypt for indirect talks between Israeli and Palestinian delegations.
Hamas’s acceptance, backed by Islamic Jihad, has raised cautious hopes among Palestinians and drawn support from world leaders seeking an end to the two-year war. But doubts remain over Israel’s far-right coalition, with critics warning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could resist concessions linked to Palestinian statehood.
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, has killed over 67,000 in Gaza, according to local authorities, while 48 hostages remain in captivity.
