UPDATE: US President Donald Trump has just announced that he believes Hamas is “ready for a lasting PEACE,” urging Israel to immediately cease its military operations in Gaza. This significant statement follows Hamas’s recent response to Trump’s proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough.
In a dramatic turn of events, Trump called for an immediate halt to Israeli strikes in Gaza to facilitate the safe release of hostages. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Hamas’s statement, released shortly before Trump’s announcement, confirmed they are open to the US proposal but expressed concerns about certain terms. The group is prepared to release all 48 remaining hostages within 72 hours of a permanent ceasefire, contingent upon favorable conditions on the ground. However, Hamas hinted that the actual release may not be feasible within the proposed timeline due to operational challenges.
Following Hamas’s response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare overnight statement confirming Israel’s readiness to implement the first stage of Trump’s plan for the hostages’ release. While the statement did not acknowledge Trump’s call for a ceasefire, reports indicate that Israeli military operations have been ordered to scale back significantly, focusing on defensive maneuvers instead.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has instructed troops to prepare for the initial phase of Trump’s plan, ensuring the safety of their forces remains a top priority.
Hamas’s senior member, Musa Abu Marzuk, remarked that the commitment to release the hostages in 72 hours is “unrealistic,” yet they accepted the first nine points of Trump’s proposal. The terror organization also reasserted its willingness to transfer control of Gaza to a body of Palestinian technocrats, as outlined in the US proposal.
Trump’s tweet further emphasized, “We’re very close to ending the fighting in Gaza and achieving peace in the Middle East.” He expressed gratitude to nations involved in the mediation process, including Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the collaborative effort to resolve the crisis.
In a separate video statement from the Oval Office, Trump noted, “This is a very special day, maybe unprecedented,” as he thanked the international community for their support in seeking peace. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that some hostages may return to their families only in caskets, as only 20 of the 48 hostages are believed to be alive.
The urgency of the situation has garnered a response from the families of the hostages, who voiced their support for Trump’s efforts. The Hostage Family Forum emphasized the need for swift negotiations to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
Qatar’s foreign ministry welcomed Hamas’s agreement to Trump’s proposal and highlighted ongoing discussions aimed at solidifying the terms of peace. Meanwhile, Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed optimism regarding Hamas’s response, viewing it as a desire to spare additional Palestinian lives and end the prolonged conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with many hoping that this moment could mark a turning point for peace in the region. The next steps will be crucial as negotiations intensify and all parties seek to finalize the terms set forth in Trump’s proposal.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
