U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy amid the ongoing conflict. This request, made on Friday, was notable as it appears Trump did not consult with Israeli officials beforehand, compelling the Israeli government to comply with the directive.

In the wake of this announcement, fresh peace talks are set to begin in Egypt, focusing on the implementation of Trump's proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza. Hamas, facing pressure from supportive nations like Qatar and Türkiye, is expected to consider the deal, despite its shortcomings. Key issues remain unresolved, including disarmament, governance of Gaza, and the conditions for releasing hostages.

Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding a response by Sunday evening. He faced two options: to insist on a strict acceptance of the deal or to acknowledge Hamas's conditional agreement. Opting for the latter, Trump acted as if Hamas had fully accepted the terms, which pressured Israel to pause its military actions and engage in negotiations without the backdrop of ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military has expressed concerns about the current strategy, which has not yielded significant results. Previous ceasefire proposals from Hamas were complicated by shifting demands from the Israeli government, including a recent change from a phased to a total hostage release.

Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza, developed after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, represents a departure from previous U.S. positions. While the White House continues to support Israel, the ceasefire framework appears to favor Israeli interests. Netanyahu, who has faced criticism for prolonging the conflict for political gain, now confronts a U.S. president who may be on the verge of achieving a diplomatic breakthrough.

Despite the plan's potential issues, including its implications for Palestinian self-determination and foreign governance in Gaza, many stakeholders—including Arab nations and Palestinians—are eager to end the violence. The urgency to stop the war and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is palpable, making this moment a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. Trump's assertive stance towards Israel may signal a turning point in the pursuit of peace in the region.