Trump hails Hamas’s peace move, tells Israel to stop Gaza attacks

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said Hamas was “ready for a lasting peace” and called on Israel to immediately halt its bombing campaign in Gaza after the Palestinian group agreed to release hostages and accept key parts of his 20-point plan to end the war.

The president’s remarks came shortly after Hamas issued its formal response to his ultimatum, signaling openness to negotiations but leaving thorny issues — including disarmament and Israel’s military withdrawal — unsettled.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! … This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

The White House later released a video address in which Trump thanked countries that supported his peace initiative, framing it as a historic chance to end a war that has killed tens of thousands since October 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s plan, which calls for the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media reported that the government instructed the military to scale down offensive operations in Gaza, though bombing and shelling were still reported in Gaza City and Khan Younis.