Trump: Hamas Ready for Peace, Bombing of Gaza Must Stop UPD

04.10.25 
efsyn.gr

"We are already discussing the details that need to be settled," declares the American president. • Netanyahu's surprise and endorsements from Qatar and Egypt.

U.S. President Donald Trump seemed satisfied with Hamas's positive response to his own peace plan for the Gaza Strip.

As he posted on his (own) social network, Truth Social, "Based on the Statement Hamas just issued, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE."

In this context, Trump called on Israel to immediately stop the bombing of the Palestinian enclave so that "we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!"

He also noted that "we are already discussing the details that need to be settled." The American president, who hopes to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, added: "This is not just about Gaza, this is about the long-desired PEACE in the Middle East."

Hamas's "Objections"

Consequently, Trump welcomed Hamas's reaction without worrying about the points that the armed Palestinian organization stated must be subject to further negotiation.

It is noted, however, that Hamas agreed with some of the terms set out in the plan, and not with the entire Trump proposal. Among other things, they reportedly have doubts about what the "day after" will look like in the Palestinian enclave, given that the Trump proposal calls for a transitional government led by an international organization. Furthermore, the Palestinian organization did not explicitly state that it agrees to disarm: a demand by Israel and the US that Hamas had rejected in a previous phase.

It is recalled that the Trump plan provides for the disarmament of Hamas members and zero participation (neither direct nor indirect) in the future of Gaza. At the same time, it provides for the exchange of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a gradual withdrawal of Israel from Gaza, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international organization.

Mediators Welcome the Move

Both Qatar and Egypt expressed their satisfaction with Hamas's response and with Trump's call for Israel to stop the bombing in Gaza.

The spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that his country welcomed Hamas's reaction to the Trump plan for Gaza, including the Palestinian group's readiness to release all Israeli captives. Qatar also confirmed its support for Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip to allow for the safe release of captives and to "end the bloodshed of the Palestinians." He added that "the State of Qatar confirms that it has begun cooperating with its mediation partners, the Arab Republic of Egypt, in coordination with the United States of America, to continue discussions regarding the plan, in order to ensure a path toward ending the war."

Also, in a statement published on social media, the Egyptian government welcomed Hamas's reaction to the Trump plan, while thanking the American president for his vision to achieve peace and stability in the region, which includes the "complete rejection" of the annexation of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the displacement of the Palestinian people from their territories. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it will make every possible effort with Arab countries, the US, and European countries to achieve a permanent truce in the war-torn Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Media: Netanyahu Surprised

Israeli media report that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was surprised by Trump's response. As reported by the Times of Israel (citing an Israeli official statement to Channel 12), Netanyahu, prior to Trump's post on Truth Social, estimated that Hamas had rejected the Trump proposal. He also stressed the need for coordination with the US to issue a statement that would not suggest Hamas had responded affirmatively to the peace plan.

It is recalled that Netanyahu has stated that this agreement achieved all the goals and objectives set by the Israeli government in October 2023, when Hamas launched the surprise attack that armed Tel Aviv's hand. It is noted that Netanyahu has mentioned that the main goal was to defeat Hamas politically and militarily, ensure that Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel, and, of course, release all remaining hostages.

It is noted that perhaps the main accusation from the relatives of the hostages was that Netanyahu himself was actually the main obstacle. As they argued, Netanyahu prolonged the war for personal and political gain.