Hamas accepts elements of Trump’s Gaza plan, calls for further dialogue as airstrikes subside
US President urges Israel to halt Gaza bombardment, citing Hamas readiness for lasting peace
Hamas has announced that it accepts several parts of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire proposal to end Israel’s nearly two year war on Gaza, while stressing that some elements require further negotiation.
In response, Trump urged Israel on Saturday to “immediately stop bombing Gaza,” adding that Hamas was “ready for a lasting peace.” Although Israeli bombardment has slowed, a drone strike in al-Mawasi killed two children and injured others the first confirmed casualties since Trump’s call for an immediate halt.
Israeli media report that the government is preparing to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan, which includes a ceasefire, the exchange of captives, and the creation of a transitional governing body. Hamas, however, rejected Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” to be overseen by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair insisting instead that Gaza should be run by independent Palestinian technocrats with Arab and Islamic support.
On the ground, Al Jazeera correspondents described a rare calm in Gaza after Hamas submitted its formal response, though Israeli vehicles and sporadic gunfire remain. “Compared to previous days, bombardment intensity is clearly reduced, and this could signal the start of a full halt,” one reporter noted.
The Hamas statement agreed to exchange all Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners but left the issue of disarmament unaddressed. It also called for final decisions on Gaza’s future to be made through Palestinian national consensus and international law.
Reactions have been mixed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly “shocked” by Trump’s remarks, fearing Hamas’s response might be seen as positive. Israeli opposition leaders, however, signaled readiness to back a unity government if Netanyahu’s coalition resists. Families of Israeli captives welcomed Trump’s call, fearing continued bombardment endangers their loved ones.
International mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the UN, praised Hamas’s statement as a potential “window for negotiations.” UN Secretary General António Guterres urged all parties to seize the moment to end the conflict, which has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians mostly women and children since October 2023.
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