Israel Halts Gaza Strikes to Advance 20-Point Peace Deal; Trump Urges Swift Action

Washington, Oct 2025 : Israel has temporarily suspended its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip to give space for the release of hostages and implementation of a 20-point peace deal, according to US President Donald Trump, who made the announcement on Truth Social on Saturday.

“Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off,” Trump wrote. “I will not tolerate delay … Let’s get this done, FAST.”

In a separate post, Trump said that following negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which has been presented to Hamas. “When Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be immediately effective, the hostage and prisoner exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal,” he added, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Talks Progress in Egypt

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of all hostages from Gaza “in the coming days,” as indirect talks with Hamas continued in Egypt over the new US-backed peace proposal aimed at ending the months-long conflict.

In a brief statement late Saturday, Netanyahu confirmed that a delegation has been sent to Cairo to “finalize technical details,” emphasizing that “our goal is to contain these negotiations to a timeframe of a few days.”

On Friday, Trump issued a deadline, warning that Hamas must accept the 20-point peace plan by 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday (2200 GMT), or “all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”

Hamas Response and Global Reaction

Hamas later announced that it had accepted the proposal in principle and was prepared to begin mediated talks. The response drew broad international approval, with several global leaders and organizations urging both sides to seize the opportunity to end the conflict and alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza.

Inside the 20-Point Peace Plan

The comprehensive 20-point framework includes provisions for a ceasefire-for-hostages exchange, a phased Israeli withdrawal, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and international oversight of Gaza’s postwar reconstruction and governance. Under the plan, Hamas would be excluded from any future governing structure in Gaza.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel will halt military operations and withdraw to pre-agreed lines. In return, Hamas must—within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance—release all hostages, both living and deceased.

In exchange, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazan detainees held since the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The plan also includes amnesty for disarmed Hamas fighters who pledge to renounce violence and commit to peaceful coexistence. Those wishing to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to designated third countries willing to receive them.

A Critical Window for Peace

As diplomatic momentum builds, observers view the current pause in fighting as a critical window for peace. However, the fragile truce remains contingent on Hamas’ formal confirmation of the deal and the swift implementation of the proposed terms — a process President Trump has urged both parties to complete “without delay.”