“Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting peace. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump also pledged in a brief video that all sides would be treated fairly in Gaza talks, as he hailed Hamas’s apparent agreement to free hostages as a “special day”. “Everybody will be treated fairly,” Trump said in the message lasting just over a minute, which was posted on his Truth Social network. “This is a very special day, maybe unprecedented.”
In response, Hamas called statements by Trump asking Israel to stop bombing Gaza “encouraging” and expressed readiness to immediately negotiate for the release of hostages and an end to the war.
Earlier, Hamas had it would agree to some of the terms in US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, including releasing hostages, but avoided addressing more vexing issues like disarmament and said it would seek further negotiations.
In a copy of a statement seen by Reuters, Hamas issued its response to Trump’s 20-point plan after the president gave the Palestinian militant group until Sunday to accept or reject the proposal. It was unclear if the US or Israel would be willing to engage in further negotiations on the plan’s terms.
Meanwhile, Egypt said on Saturday it hopes “positive development” after Hamas’ response to Trump’s Gaza plan will lead all parties to implement the plan, according to a foreign ministry statement. It said it will exert all effort with Arab states, the US, and European countries to reach a permanent ceasefire in the war-torn enclave.
Qatar also said it has begun coordination with mediator Egypt and the US to continue talks on Trump’s Gaza plan to reach an end to the war, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said on X. He said Qatar welcomed Hamas’ response to Trump’s plan.
