Israel Scales Back Gaza Offensive After Hostage Deal

President Trump unveiled a 20-point Gaza peace plan and, after Hamas signaled it would accept the plan’s hostage-exchange formula, called on Israel to immediately stop bombing so hostages could be freed safely. Hamas said it was ready to enter negotiations and to transfer governance to a technocratic Palestinian authority backed by Arab and Islamic parties, while insisting that disarmament and Gaza’s future require broader Palestinian consensus and further talks. Israel’s prime minister’s office said it was prepared to implement the plan’s “first stage” and work with the U.S., though it did not explicitly endorse Trump’s demand to halt strikes. Following U.S. pressure and the developments, Israeli political leaders reportedly ordered a halt or scale-back of the Gaza City offensive, reducing operations to a minimum and limiting ground forces to defensive maneuvers. Media outlets reported a broader de-escalation as mediators begin detailed negotiations over a phased hostage exchange, withdrawal, governance and reconstruction, but key issues remain unresolved under tight timelines and warnings of consequences if no deal is reached.