The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have suspended their military operation in the Gaza Strip. Several Israeli media outlets reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the directive following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to stop the bombings.
Israel’s Kan radio stated that, on Friday, after Trump urged an end to the airstrikes, Netanyahu ordered the IDF to halt its offensive, and the army promptly carried out the order. However, Army Radio noted that while airstrikes and shelling had ceased, IDF troops continued their positions and patrols in Gaza.
Earlier last week, President Trump presented a 20-point plan aimed at ending the conflict. Netanyahu immediately expressed his support, but Hamas, which governs Gaza, initially did not respond.
On Friday, Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that if the group did not respond by Sunday, it would face “hell.” Within hours, Hamas leadership announced acceptance of Trump’s proposal, agreeing to release Israeli hostages and hand over Gaza’s administrative authority.
Following Hamas’s acceptance, Trump called on Israel to stop the bombings. Shortly afterward, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released a statement confirming Israel’s readiness to fully cooperate with Trump and his administration in efforts to end the war.
Source: Times of Israel