Israel continues bombing Gaza after Trump urges them to stop bombing ahead of talks, dozens reportedly killed

Despite the Israeli military announcing a "pause" in offensive operations, and a public exhortation from U.S. President Donald Trump to "stop bombing" Gaza, dozens of Palestinians were reportedly killed ahead of crucial negotiations that could lead to a ceasefire deal.

Negotiators have arrived in Cairo, Egypt, with representatives of both the Benjamin Netanyahu government and Hamas, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to attend.

Announced deal

On Oct. 4 (Singapore time), Hamas announced that it would free the remaining hostages it abducted during the terror attack in October 2023, as part of Trump's plan for a ceasefire and eventual end to the immediate conflict that has been going on for almost two years.

While they stopped short of agreeing to disarm and dissolve the group, it was enough for Trump to publicly order Israel to "stop bombing Gaza" to help facilitate the hostage release and negotiations.

Israel then announced a pause in offensive operations and a shift to a defensive posture, with the Israel Defense Force (IDF) saying that current strikes are intended to "protect its forces" and "remove civilians from the vicinity", Israel news outlet Haaretz reported.

The plan would also see a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza and governing authority handed over to an independent group of Palestinians, not Hamas.

Bombings continued

However, the Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reported that 63 were killed and 153 wounded on Oct. 5 (and the night of Oct. 4), with two deaths in the area where humanitarian aid is being distributed.

Al-Jazeera, citing its own sources, reported that at least 24 Palestinians were killed in the sustained bombing campaign by Israel, despite Trump's plea.

Among the victims were four asylum seekers reportedly shot near an aid distribution centre north of Rafah, Al Jazeera said, citing the Nasser Medical Complex.

An Israel government spokesperson told The Guardian that it does not consider a ceasefire to be in effect at the current time, before a deal has been agreed to.

Trump has threatened Hamas with "complete obliteration" if it does not agree to the plan.

Top image via Reuters.