Trump urges Israel to halt bombardment immediately; Hamas signals readiness for lasting peace

U.S. President Donald Trump early on Saturday asked Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip immediately, after receiving Hamas’s response to his proposal to end the war.

Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform: “Based on the statement Hamas just issued, I believe they are ready for a lasting peace,” adding, “Israel must stop bombing Gaza immediately so we can free the hostages safely and quickly.”

Hamas said on Friday evening that it had handed its response to Trump’s plan to mediators, expressing appreciation for Arab, Islamic and international efforts calling for a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, the immediate delivery of aid, and rejecting the occupation of the Strip or the displacement of Palestinians from it.

The movement confirmed its agreement to release all captives held by the occupation, both the living and the deceased, according to the exchange formula in Trump’s proposal, provided the necessary field conditions are met, and said it was prepared to enter negotiations through mediators immediately to discuss the details.

Trump concluded his post: “We are already in discussions on details that have not yet been finalized. This is not just about Gaza; it is a matter of peace in the Middle East if they want it.”