President Donald Trump announced today that Hamas has expressed readiness to achieve “lasting peace” in the Middle East, according to a statement released by the group.
Trump urged Israel to immediately cease bombing in Gaza to facilitate the safe release of Israeli hostages, emphasizing that this announcement extends beyond Gaza and aims for a comprehensive long-term peace.
### Hamas Statement: Partial Agreement on Trump’s Plan
Hamas issued an official statement today, confirming its acceptance of certain elements of the peace plan proposed by President Trump earlier this week. According to the statement, the group agreed to release all Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, contingent upon the availability of “field conditions” for exchange, and is prepared to enter negotiations to end the war. Hamas also affirmed its readiness to release 20 living hostages within 72 hours, as outlined in the U.S. proposal, with a focus on an immediate cessation of hostilities.
This statement is in response to Trump’s proposal, which includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, in exchange for security guarantees and economic support for the Palestinians. Sources within Hamas described the proposal as a “positive step,” but emphasized a refusal of any foreign forces in Gaza or attempts to remove them from the political scene.
### Trump’s Response: Long-Sought Peace
In a tweet from the official White House account on X (formerly Twitter), Trump quoted himself stating, “Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for lasting peace. Israel must stop bombing Gaza immediately so we can safely and swiftly bring out the hostages… This is not just about Gaza; it is about the long-sought peace in the Middle East.”
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