US President Donald Trump asked Israel to “immediately” stop bombing Gaza after Hamas partially agreed to his peace plan. The war has lasted nearly two years. Late on Friday, Hamas agreed to release all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

In addition, the group agreed to hand over governing authority in the Gaza Strip, following Trump’s plan. This marks a key moment for Gaza’s future. However, Hamas requested further talks on other parts of the plan and did not say whether it will lay down arms—a major part of Trump’s proposal.

Meanwhile, Trump posted on TruthSocial, “Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE." He also asked Israel to stop bombing Gaza immediately.

He wrote:
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on the details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone; this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East."

Peace deal may be near

Consequently, Trump’s statements suggest that Israel and Hamas are closer than ever to ending the Gaza war, which has created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Trump is widely seen as the only leader who can pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire.

According to their statement, Hamas said it will approve the release of “all occupation prisoners – both living and remains – according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange."

Furthermore, Hamas said it will hand over “the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.”

Nevertheless, Hamas noted that “other issues” in Trump’s plan need more discussion “within a unified Palestinian national framework.” These likely include disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and international guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.

Trump’s proposal

Trump’s plan calls for an immediate end to fighting. It also requires a hostage and prisoner swap within 72 hours. Additionally, it proposes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, the disarmament of Hamas, and a transitional authority led by Trump.

Moreover, the plan includes humanitarian aid for Gaza, where parts of the population face famine, and the reconstruction of the heavily damaged region.

Although the plan was largely seen as unfavorable to Hamas, international pressure encouraged them to accept parts of it. Most regional and global powers have welcomed Trump’s initiative.

While Hamas did not agree to disarm immediately, its approval of a hostage release is significant. Forty-eight hostages have been used as leverage during the nearly two-year war. Therefore, giving them up will reduce Hamas’ bargaining power in the future.