Donald Trump praised Hamas after it accepted parts of his peace plan to end the war.
Trump wrote on social media that Israel must stop bombing Gaza to secure safe hostage releases.
Hamas said it would hand power to other Palestinians and free hostages but required further internal talks.
Trump stated: “I believe they are ready for a lasting peace.”
He later posted a celebratory video thanking Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and others for support.
Israel Responds Cautiously to Plan
Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan on hostage releases.
His office then stressed Israel’s commitment to ending the war under its own pre-stated principles.
Israel avoided addressing Hamas’s refusal to disarm, a central Israeli demand in Trump’s proposal.
Trump’s plan called for Hamas to release 48 hostages within three days, about 20 believed alive.
In return, Israel would withdraw, release prisoners, and allow aid while halting its offensive.
Global Reactions and Unresolved Disputes
Egypt and Qatar welcomed the announcement and vowed to continue discussions on the plan.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all sides to seize the chance to end the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared that both hostage release and a ceasefire were within reach.
The main Israeli hostage families’ group urged Netanyahu to begin rapid negotiations immediately.
Hamas emphasized Palestinian unity and international law but ignored demands for disarmament or reunification with the West Bank.
Under Trump’s framework, Gaza would come under international control, overseen by Trump and Tony Blair.
