By Sarosh Mustafa
Gaza / Washington: US President Donald Trump has urged Israel to immediately halt its military operations in Gaza after Hamas announced it was ready to enter negotiations on a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages under his proposed peace plan.
Calling it “a big day for peace,” Trump said he believes Hamas is “ready for a lasting settlement” and asked Israel to suspend its bombardment to allow talks to proceed. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly,” he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The call for restraint came after Hamas said it had agreed to “immediately” engage in negotiations on implementing Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan — its most conciliatory statement since the war began nearly two years ago.
Hamas signals willingness but avoids full acceptance
In its official response, Hamas said it “appreciates international and Arab mediation efforts” and announced readiness to negotiate through intermediaries to discuss “details of implementation.”
The group also expressed willingness to release “all occupation prisoners — both living and remains — according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal.”
However, Hamas stopped short of fully endorsing the plan and made no commitment to disarmament — a key condition set by Israel and the United States. It instead proposed transferring Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian technocratic body “based on national consensus.”
Netanyahu signals readiness, strikes continue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was “preparing to immediately implement” the first phase of the Trump plan following Hamas’s statement. “We will continue to work in full coordination with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with Israel’s principles,” it said.
Despite Trump’s appeal, witnesses in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes on Gaza City shortly after Hamas’s announcement, hitting homes in the Remal neighborhood and parts of Khan Younis. Local health officials said at least seven Palestinians were killed overnight.
Pakistan, regional powers welcome move
Pakistan welcomed Hamas’s response as “a welcome step,” urging all sides to move swiftly toward an immediate ceasefire.
Qatar: Doha welcomed Hamas’s announcement and Trump’s call for a ceasefire, saying it would coordinate with Egypt and the United States to ensure “a path toward ending the war.”
Egypt: Cairo expressed hope that the development would “lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility” and fully implement the plan.
France: President Emmanuel Macron said a ceasefire and hostage release were “within reach,” urging all sides to “act without delay.”
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Trump’s proposal “the best chance for peace” and said Berlin “fully supports” his call to both parties.
Britain: Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Hamas’s response as “a significant step forward” and pledged the UK’s support for further negotiations.
Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Hamas’s commitment to release hostages and hand over power, calling it “an important move toward peace.”
Türkiye: Ankara said the group’s response “provides an opportunity for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza.”
United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Hamas’s readiness to release hostages and urged all sides to “seize the opportunity to end the tragic conflict.”
Heavy human toll
Israel’s war on Gaza — launched after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks that killed 1,139 Israelis and led to about 200 captives — has since killed at least 66,288 Palestinians and wounded 169,165, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Thousands more are believed to be buried under rubble.
