Israel’s political leadership has directed the army to reduce its operations in Gaza, according to Army Radio. Military correspondent Doron Kadosh said the government instructed forces to keep activity “to a minimum” and only carry out defensive moves. “The practical implication: the operation to conquer Gaza City has been stopped for now,” Kadosh posted on X.
Donald Trump asks Israel to stop bombing Gaza
President Donald Trump on Friday (October 3, 2025) told Israel to stop bombing in Gaza after Hamas showed readiness to release hostages under a US-backed ceasefire plan. He said Hamas’ response showed it was “ready for a lasting PEACE” and urged Israel to act quickly. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump posted on Truth Social. He added that discussions were already underway to iron out the details and said the push was not only about Gaza but about “long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Trump welcomes Hamas response
Soon after Hamas signalled acceptance of major points in its Gaza ceasefire plan, US President Donald Trump made a video address. He thanked Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other countries for their help in drafting the plan.
“This is a big day… maybe unprecedented in many ways,” Trump said, adding that his priority was bringing hostages home to their families. He added that the latest development brings the Middle East closer to peace.
Netanyahu says Israel is ready for first phase
Responding to Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for an “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan. This would involve the release of all the hostages. Netanyahu added that Israel would continue to work in “full cooperation with the President and his team.”
“In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement, according to the BBC. He continued, “alongside this, it was emphasised that the security of our forces is of the utmost priority and that all [Israeli military] capabilities will be allocated to the Southern Command for the protection of our forces,” it added.
Further he the Israeli PM added, “We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trump’s vision.
Despite Trump’s demand to “immediately” stop bombing Gaza, Israeli air strikes continued on Friday, according to the BBC. Reports said dozens of Palestinians were killed in attacks across Gaza, including in Gaza City. Al Jazeera reporters in Washington described Israel’s response as a direct challenge to Trump.
World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, praised Hamas’s response and urged all sides to seize the chance for peace. Germany also welcomed the move, calling the release of hostages “within reach.”