By America News world
In the latest wave of violence, Israeli forces killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza overnight, including two young children. This happened even though U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an immediate stop to the attacks. The strikes came after a Palestinian group called Hamas said it would accept parts of Trump’s new ceasefire plan. Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas are urging quick talks to bring their loved ones home safely.
The news from Gaza paints a grim picture. Rescue teams say the Israeli army launched dozens of airstrikes and artillery shells on Gaza City and other spots in the area. “It was a very rough night,” said Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza’s civil defense. He told reporters that 20 homes were wiped out in the bombing.
One big hit struck a house in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood. The local Baptist Hospital got the bodies of four people killed there, plus several hurt ones. In another attack, a drone fired on a tent in a camp for people forced from their homes in Khan Yunis. Gaza’s Nasser Hospital reported two children dead and eight others wounded from that strike.
Israel’s army confirmed the operations on social media. They warned people not to go near Gaza City or other active zones. “Our troops are working in Gaza City, and it’s very risky to come back north or get close to our forces—even in southern areas,” said Colonel Avichay Adraee, the military’s Arabic spokesman, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
This all unfolded as Trump stepped in with a bold move. The U.S. president called for a full halt to Israel’s “genocidal” operations in Gaza. He wants to make it safe to free the hostages Hamas is holding. “Israel must stop bombing Gaza right now so we can get the hostages out fast and safe,” Trump said on X. “It’s too dangerous otherwise. We’re already talking details.”
Trump’s plan has sparked hope. Hamas, the group behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that started this war, said Friday it agrees with key parts of the proposal. A top Hamas leader, speaking without naming himself, told AFP: “We’re set to start talks right away to settle everything.”
Experts note the plan isn’t perfect for Palestinians. It focuses first on freeing hostages in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners. But Hamas sees it as a start. Trump cheered their reply: “I think they’re ready for real peace.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is okay with the “first stage”—likely meaning hostage releases. But his team stressed Israel won’t drop its goals for ending the war, like destroying Hamas’s power.
From Washington to world capitals, leaders are watching closely. The families of over 100 Israeli hostages left in Gaza begged Netanyahu to jump on this. “Trump’s call to stop the war now is key to saving our people from worse harm,” said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. “Start fast talks to get everyone home.”
The United Nations is all in too. Rights chief Volker Turk called Trump’s idea a “huge chance” to end the pain in Gaza for good. “This could stop the killing and suffering once and for all,” his office posted on X. “Let’s pour in aid, free hostages, and release held Palestinians too.”
UN boss Antonio Guterres echoed that. “Hamas’s answer gives me hope,” he said. “I keep calling for a full ceasefire now, all hostages out without strings, and full aid access. The UN backs every step to cut the hurt.”
In Europe, EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said peace is “close enough to touch.” She posted on X: “Hamas agreeing to free hostages and talk on the plan is good news. We must grab this. Ceasefire and releases are possible now.”
France’s Emmanuel Macron pushed for quick action. “Hamas must follow through fast,” he said. “This is our shot at big steps to peace.” Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan called it a “smart, big move” for lasting calm. He told Israel to quit all attacks on Palestinian lands right away.
Egypt and Qatar, who help broker deals, are staying involved. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said they’ll keep pushing the talks forward.
Back in the U.S., Trump’s push fits his “America First” style, but with a Mideast twist. As the election year heats up, supporters praise him for strong-arming a fix. Critics worry it skips deeper issues like Palestinian statehood. Polls show most Americans tired of the war—over 60% want a ceasefire, per recent Gallup data.
The conflict, now two years old, has wrecked Gaza. Official counts say at least 67,074 Palestinians are dead—more than half women and kids. Starvation from Israel’s aid blockade has killed 440 more. Israel lost 1,200 in the first Hamas raid, plus soldiers since.
Over 220 journalists and 1,000 health workers have died, many in what groups call targeted hits. Aid groups scream for open borders to send food, water, and medicine. The World Health Organization warns of disease outbreaks in crowded camps.
Protests rage worldwide. In Milan, Italy, thousands waved Palestinian flags at the Duomo Cathedral on October 2. They marched against Israel’s stop of a Gaza aid ship in the Mediterranean. Similar crowds hit Barcelona, Spain, with tens of thousands demanding an end to the war.
In America, vigils pop up in New York and Los Angeles. Jewish and Muslim groups unite for peace. “Enough blood,” said Rabbi Sarah Cohen at a D.C. rally. “Trump’s plan could be the turn.”
As talks loom, questions hang: Will Netanyahu hold fire? Can Hamas deliver hostages? Trump’s team hints at U.S. muscle—like aid cuts—to enforce it.
For Gaza’s 2 million, every hour counts. Kids play amid ruins, parents bury loved ones. The world waits—and prays—for dawn.