Trump Calls for Israel to Halt Gaza Bombing Following Hamas's Response to Peace Plan

US President Donald Trump expressed his belief on Friday that Hamas is prepared for "lasting peace" and urged Israel to cease bombing Gaza, following Hamas's declaration of readiness to release hostages under his proposed ceasefire plan.

This marks the first time since Trump's return to office in January that he has explicitly called on Israel, a key US ally, to halt its military operations in Gaza. Israel has not yet responded to this call.

"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!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He emphasized the dangerous conditions currently preventing hostage release, adding: "We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East."

In an unprecedented move for a US president, Trump shared Hamas's statement on his social media, as did the White House.

Later, Trump released a short video message from the Oval Office praising Hamas's statement and thanking mediating allies including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan.

"This is a very special day, maybe unprecedented," Trump stated from behind the Resolute Desk, adding that he looks forward to seeing "hostages come home to their parents."

The President has consistently emphasized that securing the release of hostages captured during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel remains a priority. He has also aggressively pursued an agreement to end the conflict, which he attributes to his predecessor Joe Biden's administration.

In his video message, Trump promised that "everybody will be treated fairly" in the negotiations for a deal. This comment came amid Israel's silence regarding Hamas's statement.

According to Axios news outlet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly "surprised" by Trump's response and viewed Hamas's statement as failing to address key aspects of Trump's peace plan.

Netanyahu had accompanied Trump during the presentation of the 20-point program at the White House on Monday, stating at that time that Hamas must adhere to all elements of the plan.

Trump had previously set a deadline of late Sunday for Hamas to respond to the peace plan or face "hell."

Hamas described Trump's call for Israel to stop bombing Gaza as "encouraging." However, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told AFP on Friday that Trump's plan was "vague, ambiguous and lacks clarity."