Israeli Forces Bombs Gaza Despite Trump’s Ceasefire Call

Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of air and artillery strikes on Gaza early Saturday, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to halt its bombardment and commit to a ceasefire.

According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, multiple residential areas were hit in the overnight assault, leaving at least six civilians dead and several others wounded.

Four people were killed in a strike on a house in Gaza City, while two others lost their lives when a tent sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis was targeted.

Local officials said around 20 homes were damaged or destroyed during the bombardment.

The renewed offensive came in defiance of Trump’s direct call on Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza.”

His statement followed the unveiling of a 20-point peace proposal earlier in the week aimed at securing a ceasefire, freeing hostages within 72 hours, initiating a phased Israeli withdrawal, and setting the stage for Hamas to disarm.

Hamas has conditionally welcomed aspects of the plan, including the exchange of captives, but has raised objections over clauses tied to governance, security control, and the disarmament process.

Palestinian groups say the ongoing military campaign undermines confidence in negotiations and further endangers civilians already living under dire conditions.

Israel, while signaling readiness to prepare for the first phase of Trump’s plan, has not committed to suspending its operations entirely.

Military officials insist that defensive measures will continue in Gaza City and surrounding areas, citing security threats.

The latest escalation underscores the fragile nature of ceasefire efforts, with humanitarian organizations warning that sustained strikes risk derailing momentum toward peace.

Whether Israel chooses to scale back its operations to preserve the negotiation track, or press ahead with its campaign, remains uncertain as both sides weigh political and strategic calculations.