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On Saturday, despite the lingering smoke over Gaza City, a renewed sense of hope emerged among its residents as US President Donald Trump urged Israel to halt its airstrikes, signaling a potential ceasefire after months of relentless conflict.
Jamila al-Sayyid, a 24-year-old from the Zeitun neighborhood, expressed surprise at Trump’s unexpected call, noting, “I never imagined he would take a stance that seemed less favorable to Israel.”
Although the bombing continued despite the announcement, Jamila felt reassured by her choice to remain in Gaza’s largest urban area. “What matters most is the ceasefire taking hold and the release of Israeli captives, who have been used as justification for ongoing occupation,” she explained, referring to the 47 hostages still held by Hamas, including 25 whom the military reports as deceased.
On Friday evening, Hamas declared its willingness to free the hostages in line with Trump’s ceasefire proposal, prompting the US president to call on Israel to immediately cease its military operations.
“I believe they are prepared for lasting PEACE. Israel must stop bombing Gaza at once so the hostages can be safely and swiftly released!” Trump posted on Truth Social following Hamas’s agreement.
Despite this, the Israeli military cautioned on Saturday that northern Gaza remains a “high-risk combat zone” and urged civilians not to return.
For Sami Adas, a 50-year-old displaced resident living in a tent on Gaza City’s western edge-an area heavily targeted in recent weeks-the announcement marked “a day of immense relief and hope.”
“The fact that President Trump himself has called for a ceasefire means Netanyahu cannot avoid this reality any longer,” Adas remarked, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Trump is the only figure capable of compelling Israel to halt the conflict.”
– Cautious Optimism Persists –
Further south, Mahmud Abu Shamala, 49, currently displaced in the humanitarian zone of Al-Mawasi, described the ceasefire as “a long-awaited dream I have hoped for over the past two years.”
Yet, he voiced skepticism about Israel’s commitment to honor the agreement once Hamas releases the hostages.
Although Trump unveiled his ceasefire plan earlier this week, several unresolved issues remain. Netanyahu has largely dismissed the prospect of Gaza being governed by the Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah.
Meanwhile, Hamas has yet to address critical points such as disarmament and the exile of its members, indicating that further negotiations are necessary to finalize the terms.
Nonetheless, Palestinians are cautiously optimistic after months of stalled talks and Israeli attempts to target Hamas leaders even in Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict.
“Enough is enough… the situation has become unbearable,” said Abu Hussein Labad, a displaced resident from Jabalia refugee camp. “I am injured and still unable to move. God willing, this war will end, and we can return to our shattered homes.”
In Ramallah, West Bank, many Palestinians praised Hamas’s response to the American ultimatum, which was due by Sunday.
“Hamas’s position yesterday was commendable,” Iyad Safi told AFP. “Hopefully, this will benefit the people-the priority is to end the war and restore peace.”
Adnan Naeem added, “Hamas has addressed the urgent matters. Other concerns can be negotiated later.”