US President Donald Trump, with a sense of optimism, remarked on Friday that he believes Hamas is prepared to embrace ‘lasting peace.’ In a bold and unprecedented move, he urged Israel to cease its bombing campaign in Gaza.
This statement followed a pivotal announcement from the Palestinian militant group expressing its willingness to release hostages as part of Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan.
This marks the first instance since Trump resumed office in January that he has directly called on close American ally Israel — who has yet to respond — to pause its offensive. ‘Considering Hamas’s recent statement, I am convinced they are ready for enduring PEACE. Israel must halt the bombardment of Gaza immediately, allowing us to secure the safe and swift release of hostages!’ Trump expressed on Truth Social.
He added, ‘Currently, it’s far too perilous to proceed. We are actively engaged in discussions to finalize the specifics. This situation extends beyond Gaza; it is about achieving the long-desired PEACE in the Middle East.’
In a highly unusual act for a US president, Trump shared the Hamas declaration on his social media platform, an action also mirrored by the White House. Trump subsequently released a brief video from behind the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, commending the statement from Hamas and extending gratitude to US allies including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan for their mediation efforts.
‘Today is a remarkable day, perhaps one without parallel,’ Trump announced, conveying his anticipation of welcoming the hostages back to their families.
Trump has repeatedly stressed that getting the hostages seized by Hamas in its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel is a priority for him. He has also pushed hard for a deal to end a war that he blames on his predecessor Joe Biden.
Trump said in the video that “everybody will be treated fairly” in the negotiations for a deal.
He did not give details but his comment came amid silence from Israel on Hamas’s statement.
The Axios news outlet said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been “surprised” by Trump’s response, and that it viewed Hamas’s statement as failing to meet key aspects of Trump’s peace plan.
Netanyahu was alongside Trump as he unveiled the 20-point program at the White House on Monday, and said at the time Hamas must stick to all the elements of the plan.
Trump had given a deadline of late Sunday for Hamas to respond to the peace plan or face “hell.”
Hamas called Trump’s urging of Israel to stop bombing Gaza as “encouraging.”
But a senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, told AFP on Friday that Trump’s plan was “vague, ambiguous and lacks clarity.”