UPDATE: US President Donald Trump has just announced that he believes Hamas is “ready for a lasting PEACE” and has called on Israel to immediately cease military strikes in Gaza. This urgent declaration comes in the wake of Hamas’s recent response to Trump’s proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s remarks follow Hamas’s announcement that it is prepared to release all 48 remaining hostages under specific conditions. The group indicates these hostages could be freed within 72 hours of a permanent ceasefire taking effect, in exchange for over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and the return of slain Gazans’ bodies.
However, Hamas’s statement was cautious, noting the hostages would only be released when “the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange” are met, suggesting potential delays if conditions on the ground are not favorable. This development raises significant concerns among families and advocates for the hostages, many of whom are still unaccounted for.
In a rare statement released overnight, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is ready to implement the initial stages of Trump’s plan for the hostages’ release. The Israeli government has reportedly ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to minimize offensive operations in Gaza, responding to Trump’s call for restraint. The IDF stated it is preparing for the first stage of Trump’s plans, emphasizing the safety of its troops as a priority.
During an appearance on Al Jazeera, Hamas senior leader Musa Abu Marzuk expressed skepticism regarding the 72-hour timeframe for the hostage release, labeling it “unrealistic.” He reiterated Hamas’s acceptance of the initial points in Trump’s proposal but indicated that further negotiations are necessary for comprehensive peace talks.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stated, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!” He described the situation as “far too dangerous” for extraction efforts at this time, emphasizing the urgent need for peace not just in Gaza but throughout the Middle East.
The American president highlighted the collaborative efforts of various nations, including Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, in reaching this pivotal moment. He asserted that this is a “big day” for potential peace, while acknowledging that further discussions are necessary to finalize the agreements.
“We were given a tremendous amount of help. Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end and seeing peace in the Middle East, and we’re very close to achieving that,” Trump stated from the Oval Office.
Meanwhile, reactions from the international community are pouring in, with Qatar welcoming Hamas’s willingness to engage with Trump’s proposal. The Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe release of hostages, echoing sentiments expressed by Egyptian officials who praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear how the negotiations will unfold, particularly regarding Hamas’s insistence on its role in any future governance of Gaza. The group has expressed its commitment to transferring control of Gaza to a neutral party but has not indicated readiness to disarm, a key point in the US proposal.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated, as families of the hostages await news. The Hostage Family Forum has voiced strong support for Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the dire need to prevent irreversible harm to those still held captive.
Trump has set a deadline for Hamas to respond to his proposal, warning that failure to do so could lead to severe consequences. “I am asking that all innocent Palestinians immediately leave this area of potentially great future death for safer parts of Gaza,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This announcement marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, with all eyes on the evolving dynamics between the involved parties. As the deadline looms, the world watches closely to see if peace can finally be achieved in a region long plagued by violence.
