Israel Troops Continue Operations in Gaza Despite Trump and Hostage Families’ Appeals

Israel announced on Saturday that its troops remain active in Gaza and warned residents not to return, despite appeals from the families of Israeli hostages and US President Donald Trump for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Trump made the appeal after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, indicated readiness to release all hostages and begin discussions on his plan to end the nearly two-year conflict.

“The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages – living and remains – according to the exchange formula included in President Trump’s proposal,” Hamas stated on Friday.

Trump later posted on Truth Social: “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!”

A senior Hamas official confirmed on Saturday that the group was “ready to begin negotiations immediately to finalise all issues.” Another official added that Egypt, acting as a mediator in truce talks, would host a conference for Palestinian factions to determine Gaza’s post-war future.

Key Points of Trump’s Proposal

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum supported the proposal, stating: “President Trump’s demand to stop the war immediately is essential to prevent serious and irreversible harm to the hostages. We call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin efficient and swift negotiations to bring all our hostages home.”

Despite Trump’s appeal, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported dozens of strikes on Gaza City overnight, with hospitals reporting casualties.

“It was a very violent night, during which the Israeli army carried out dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas, despite President Trump’s call to halt the bombing,” said Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza’s rescue agency operating under Hamas.

Bassal added that 20 homes were destroyed overnight. The Israeli military confirmed it is operating in Gaza City and urged residents not to return:

“The IDF troops are still operating in Gaza City, and returning is extremely dangerous. For your safety, avoid returning north or approaching areas of IDF troop activity anywhere – including in the southern Gaza Strip,” said Colonel Avichay Adraee, the military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, on X.

Israeli media suggested the military had moved to a defensive posture following Trump’s call, though this was not confirmed officially.

Hospitals reported casualties from overnight strikes:

• Baptist Hospital, Gaza City – Four dead and several wounded from a home strike in Tuffah neighbourhood.
• Nasser Hospital, Khan Yunis – Two children killed and eight wounded in a drone strike on a tent for displaced residents.

Local residents described the bombardment as relentless. Jamila al-Sayyid, 24, from Al-Zeitoun, said:

“The bombing was intense throughout the night. I was happy when Trump announced a ceasefire, but the warplanes did not stop.”

AFP journalists in Al-Mawasi reported celebratory cries of “Allahu Akbar!” as news of Hamas’s statement spread.

“This is a day of joy, a great day. The war has been raging for two years,” said Sami Adas, 50, living in a tent in Gaza City.
“The best thing is that President Trump himself announced a ceasefire. Netanyahu will not be able to escape this time… he is the only one who can force Israel to comply and stop the war.”

World leaders and organisations also expressed cautious optimism. UN rights chief Volker Turk called it a “vital opportunity” to end bloodshed and misery in the Palestinian territory once and for all.