U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday called on Israel to stop bombing Gaza immediately, adding that he believes Hamas is ready for a “lasting peace” based on its statement regarding the peace deal announced earlier this week.
In its statement, Hamas said it appreciated efforts from Arab, Islamic and international entities, including Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, the immediate entry of aid, and the rejection of the occupation of the strip, and displacement of Palestinians. “Within this framework, and in a manner that achieves an end to the war and a full withdrawal from the Strip, the movement announces its approval of releasing all occupation prisoners—both living and remains—according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange,” it said.
The statement emphasized that Hamas was ready to immediately enter, through mediators, negotiations to discuss details.
“The movement also reaffirms its approval to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing,” it said.
While Hamas did not address the proposed plan’s call for disarmament, it said it would contribute “with full responsibility” to Trump’s proposed plans for the future of the Gaza Strip.
Sharing the Hamas response on his Truth Social account, Trump said it could lead to peace in the Middle East.
According to the AFP news agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu office has said Israel is preparing for an “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas’ response. In this regard, orders have been issued for the Israeli military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza.
The Hamas response follows Trump imposing a 2200GMT Oct. 5 deadline on Hamas to either accept the deal or risk “all hell” breaking out. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” he said.