Hamas Partially Agrees to Trump's 20 Point Peace Plan.
Hostages to Be Released?
Trump told Israel to stop bombing Gaza as Hamas accepted point one of Trump's 20-point peace plan. Israel said it would scale back operations in the Gaza Strip, including its latest offensive in Gaza City. A statement by Hamas said, "In this context, the movement (Hamas) affirms its readiness to discuss the details of this agreement". With this affirmation, a lasting peace and permanent ceasefire draw nearer. That said, a senior Hamas official said the group would not disarm until Israel pulled out of Gaza. The official said the hostages might be released within 72 hours.
In return, Hamas will be expecting Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to be released too. Trump had previously warned Hamas it would face "Hell". Whether that forced Hamas into accepting Stage 1 of Trump's plan cannot be known. Trump has told them to accept the plan, all or in part, by 6 pm Sunday.
As much as we would want this peace plan to work, we have been here before. Peace plans work for a while, and then one side or the other or both break them, and off we go to war again. The fact that Hamas seem to have agreed to at least one stage of Trump's plan is why he has told the Israelis to pause operations in the Gaza Strip.
This conflict has cost Gaza and Hamas dear. 8,900 Hamas fighters have died, and that includes Islamic Jihad. This, according to Israeli intelligence. Gaza health authorities say 53,000 civilians are dead. An independent survey said in June 2024, 64,200 had perished. This does not include deaths from starvation and lack of medical care.
It has also cost Israel dear, too. One source, the Jewish Virtual Library, says a total of 913 soldiers are dead. With 934 civilians dead. Many hostages were released in return for Palestinian prisoners being freed. Hundreds of Palestinians remain in Israeli jails. It is thought there are approximately 50-100 hostages still being held, depending on reports.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Hamas's acceptance of the peace plan as a "significant step forward". Sir Keir urged all parties to implement the agreement without delay. President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, stating that "the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach".
Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the plan "the best chance for peace" in the conflict" and expressed full support for Trump's call for peace between both sides. The EU Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen, welcomed Hamas's reaction to the peace deal, stating that halting the war in Gaza was "within reach".
These reactions highlight a unified European stance in supporting efforts toward a peaceful resolution, while acknowledging the complexities and challenges that remain in the implementation of the peace plan.
The awful attack on the synagogue in Manchester highlights how Middle Eastern conflicts can spill out onto the streets of Western countries. Both Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK feel under threat. As no doubt, similar communities in Germany, France, and other Western countries feel the same. At times of conflict, there will be tensions between such groups. But we also have to remember that there are those who stand for peace. Whether Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, etc, who want to bring understanding, peace, and reconciliation to faith communities. And such people have to be applauded, as we live in difficult days in 2025.
How successful will Trump's peace plan be? Will each 20-point piece of the plan be accepted and implemented? The worry is, once the hostages have been released, will Netanyahu, under Trump's blessing, go back to war?
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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Man-Portable Air Defense System Found on Russian Shahed-Type Drone for the First Time: A Major Shift in Drone Warfare
In a groundbreaking development that could shift the dynamics of modern warfare, reports indicate that Russian forces have deployed a Shahed-type drone integrated with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) for the first time. This revelation has sent shockwaves across military analysts and defense experts, marking a new chapter in drone warfare. This innovative combination of drone technology and advanced missile systems could have profound implications on both offensive and defensive military strategies in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Evolution of Drone Warfare Drones have already revolutionized modern warfare, offering countries a more efficient, cost-effective, and covert means of executing military operations. Originally, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were primarily used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. However, over the years, their role has expanded dramatically. Today, drones are employed for airstrikes, surveillance, electronic warfare, and logistical support. The advent of combining drones with advanced weapons systems, such as the man-portable air defense system (MANPADS), marks the beginning of a new frontier in drone warfare. What Is a MANPADS? A man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) is a lightweight, portable missile system designed to be carried and operated by a single soldier. These systems are typically used to target low-flying aircraft, including helicopters and fighter jets. The shoulder-launched weaponry is highly effective in combating enemy aircraft and has been widely used in various global conflicts. The portable nature of MANPADS makes them a versatile tool for both regular army forces and insurgent groups, offering substantial anti-aircraft capabilities. Russia’s Use of Shahed-Type Drones The Shahed-type drones, originally Iranian in origin, have played a pivotal role in Russia's military strategy in Ukraine. These drones are low-cost, long-range, and capable of carrying explosive payloads, making them ideal for conducting both reconnaissance and offensive operations. Their stealth and ability to evade detection have made them a significant asset for Russian forces, often used for targeting infrastructure, communication hubs, and military installations. For months, these drones have been causing considerable damage to Ukrainian targets, providing Russia with a cost-effective method of launching precision strikes. However, the recent discovery that Russian forces have added MANPADS to these drones is a significant escalation, as it represents an unprecedented level of sophistication in drone-based weaponry. The Integration of MANPADS with Shahed-Type Drones This integration of the man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) with the Shahed-type drones raises many questions about the future of aerial warfare. Traditionally, MANPADS are operated by ground troops to defend against incoming aircraft. However, with the incorporation of these systems into drones, the dynamics of air-to-air combat could change dramatically. One of the key advantages of using drones equipped with MANPADS is that they could potentially target enemy aircraft from the sky. Unlike traditional missile systems that rely on ground launchers, these drones could operate in more clandestine ways, evading radar systems while simultaneously being able to launch an anti-aircraft missile with precision. This could drastically improve the offensive capabilities of Russia’s air-defense strategy. Moreover, such drone systems may be difficult to detect and intercept by traditional anti-aircraft defense systems. Drones can fly at lower altitudes, and the addition of MANPADS could allow for effective counterattacks against enemy aircraft without giving away their location. The Impact on the Ongoing Conflict For Ukraine, the news of this new drone configuration represents a heightened threat on the battlefield. The Ukrainian military already faces the difficult task of countering a wide range of Russian weaponry, including long-range artillery, missiles, and drones. Adding a missile-equipped drone into the mix would further complicate Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. With the integration of MANPADS into the Shahed-type drones, Russia is effectively launching a dual-threat against Ukrainian airspace, forcing the Ukrainian military to adjust its strategies to contend with both unmanned aerial attacks and manned missile launches. Ukraine’s air defenses are already under considerable strain due to Russia's persistent attacks on critical infrastructure. 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This development signals that drones are no longer just a tool for surveillance and reconnaissance—they are becoming formidable weapons capable of influencing the outcome of conflicts. While this advancement may be a temporary advantage for Russia in the short term, the shift toward integrating more sophisticated weapons systems with drones marks a turning point in modern warfare. As technology continues to evolve, the boundaries of drone warfare will continue to expand, bringing with it new challenges, both for military forces and the civilian populations caught in the crossfire. Conclusion The recent discovery that Russian forces are using Shahed-type drones integrated with man-portable air defense systems marks a significant escalation in drone warfare. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, this new strategy could reshape the nature of air-to-air combat and raise the stakes in an already volatile situation. It remains to be seen how Ukraine and the global community will respond to this evolving threat, but one thing is clear: the future of warfare will be defined by the increasing integration of drones and advanced missile systems.
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