Trump Urges Israel to Halt Gaza Bombing as Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages
US President Donald Trump called on Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza, stating that Hamas is ready for a “lasting peace,” following the Islamist group’s commitment to release all remaining hostages, both alive and deceased.
Hamas expressed its willingness to negotiate further details of Trump’s peace plan, which includes transferring Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats. However, the group warned that some aspects of the 20-point plan require additional consultation among Palestinians.
Trump’s remarks came after he threatened to unleash “all hell” if Hamas did not respond to his peace proposal by Sunday. Following Hamas’s response, Trump expressed optimism about achieving peace. He stated on Truth Social, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly.”
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that.” Trump later declared it a “very special day,” suggesting that the end of the war is “very close.”
International Support for Peace Efforts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel is ready to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan, likely referring to the hostages’ release. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Hamas’s partial acceptance of the peace plan a “significant step forward.” He urged all parties to finalize the agreement without delay.
Starmer noted, “There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for the hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who desperately need it.” He affirmed the UK’s readiness to support further negotiations for sustainable peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, stating that “the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach.” A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to seize this opportunity.
Hamas’s Conditions for Disarmament
The breakthrough occurred just hours after President Trump set a new deadline for Hamas to respond to his proposals, which have backing from Arab nations. The peace plan, unveiled at the White House, includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, Hamas disarming, and a governing “peace panel” that includes Sir Tony Blair.
On Friday, Hamas confirmed its approval to release all prisoners, whether alive or deceased, according to Trump’s exchange framework. Israel estimates that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 still alive.
However, Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group would not disarm until the Israeli occupation ends. Observers caution that significant obstacles remain, as Hamas may not know the whereabouts of all hostages, some of whom are held by other groups. While Hamas’s support for a new Palestinian government is positive, its insistence on a purely Palestinian administration complicates the situation.
