The primary Israeli group representing families of captives held in Gaza emphasized the urgent need to end the war immediately. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stressed that halting the conflict is crucial to prevent irreversible harm to hostages and urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to begin prompt negotiations for their release.
Displaced Palestinians in central Gaza expressed relief and hope at the prospect of a ceasefire. Awaher al-Farani, 45, said they are exhausted from hunger, displacement, and violence and long to return home. Saoud Qarneyta, who was fetching water, welcomed Hamas’s agreement and prayed for continued peace and an end to bloodshed. Fadl al-Debs, a displaced Palestinian, called Trump’s ceasefire request “great news” and a positive, though delayed, step after years of war.
Donald trump call to “stop bombing” Gaza
Sami Al-Arian, a public affairs professor at Istanbul Zaim University, highlighted that Trump’s plan covers key negotiation points, including the exchange of prisoners, Israeli military withdrawal, aid restoration, and Gaza’s reconstruction. He noted that the military withdrawal aspect remains “very vague” and has historically been a sticking point. Al-Arian pointed out that Hamas deferred deciding Palestine future, proposing a collective Palestinian decision, which Trump accepted, indicating a strategic approach.
