In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that he believes the Palestinian militant group is prepared for “lasting peace.” This declaration coincided with Hamas communicating its willingness to free hostages in accordance with a ceasefire plan proposed by Trump.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment in Trump’s presidency since his return to office in January. It is the first occasion he has explicitly urged Israel to cease its bombardment of Gaza. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “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!”
The implication of Trump’s remarks highlights the urgency surrounding the situation, which he described as too perilous for any negotiation involving the release of hostages at this time. He noted that discussions are already underway, addressing not just the immediate concerns in Gaza, but a broader vision for peace in the Middle East.
In a rare move for a sitting U.S. president, Trump shared the statement from Hamas on his social media platform, a gesture mirrored by the White House. He later released a short video message expressing gratitude to U.S. allies—Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan—for their roles in mediating the negotiations. “This is a very special day, maybe unprecedented,” Trump remarked from the Resolute Desk, adding his anticipation for the return of hostages to their families.
The issue of hostages taken during the October 7 attack by Hamas remains a top priority for Trump, who has been vocal about blaming his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the escalating conflict. In his video message, Trump underscored the importance of fairness in discussions surrounding a potential settlement, although he did not divulge specific details.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly reacted with surprise to Trump’s call for a halt to the bombings. According to Axios, Israeli officials viewed Hamas’ statement as insufficient in adhering to the key terms of Trump’s peace framework, which includes a 20-point plan jointly announced with Netanyahu earlier in the week. Trump had emphasized a deadline for Hamas to respond positively to the peace plan, warning of severe consequences if they failed to do so.
Hamas, for its part, welcomed Trump’s encouragement for a ceasefire, although senior official Mahmoud Mardawi described the peace plan as “vague, ambiguous and lacking clarity” when speaking to AFP. The ongoing dialogue reflects the complexity and high stakes of the conflict, as leaders navigate a path toward a potential resolution in a historically turbulent region.
