Hamas announced its willingness to engage in immediate discussions regarding the release of Israeli hostages and the cessation of the Gaza conflict, expressing appreciation for President Donald Trump’s call for Israel to halt bombings in the Palestinian region.
Trump’s peace initiative, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes provisions for a ceasefire in the ongoing two-year conflict, the release of hostages within 72 hours, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the disarmament of Hamas, which was not addressed in Hamas’s initial response.
The proposal also stipulates that Hamas and other factions should have no role in governing Gaza. Instead, the territory’s administration would be overseen by a technocratic entity under a post-war transitional authority led by President Trump.
Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu commended Trump’s remarks on the immediate cessation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, stating that Hamas is prepared to initiate talks promptly to facilitate a prisoner exchange, end the conflict, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
In response, Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel’s readiness to implement the initial phase of the Trump plan for the release of all hostages, emphasizing cooperation with the US President and his team to bring an end to the war based on Israel’s principles aligned with Trump’s vision.
The news of Hamas’s response was met with celebratory expressions in Gaza, with displaced Palestinians expressing relief and hope for peace negotiations. Trump described the developments as a significant day and assured fair treatment for all parties involved in potential Gaza talks.
Earlier, Trump reacted positively to a statement from Hamas committing to a lasting peace, setting a deadline for the group to accept his 20-point plan. International reactions to Friday’s developments were optimistic, with key mediators and world leaders welcoming Hamas’s statements as a step towards resolving the conflict.
Despite the diplomatic advancements, heavy bombardment continued in Gaza on Friday, with reports of casualties. The ongoing conflict, which began following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in a substantial loss of life, with both sides facing criticism and calls for an immediate ceasefire.