Hamas Agrees to Parts of Trump’s Gaza Plan, Seeks Further Talks as Bombing Eases
Israel Says It Is Preparing to Implement the “First Phase” of Trump’s Gaza War Plan
Hamas has announced that it accepts several key elements of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan to end Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza, while noting that certain provisions require further negotiation.
Responding early Saturday, Trump urged Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza,” saying Hamas was “ready for a lasting peace.”
Israel, meanwhile, said it is preparing to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan to end the war. According to Israeli media, the government has instructed the military to scale down offensive operations in Gaza, citing readiness for the plan’s immediate rollout following Hamas’s response.
On the ground, Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud reported from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza that it remained unclear whether the Israeli bombardment had fully ceased, as demanded by Trump. However, he noted an unusual calm around midnight—just as Trump was scheduled to speak in Washington, D.C.—after Hamas agreed in principle to major aspects of the 20-point proposal for the besieged enclave.
Mahmoud said smoke could still be seen over northern Gaza, with intermittent small-arms fire and movement of Israeli vehicles audible. “Compared with the past few days, the intensity of the bombardment and use of heavy firepower is definitely lower this morning and could signal the start of a full halt—but it’s not yet certain when that will happen,” he said.
He added that a “clear de-escalation” was visible, noting the absence of Israeli drones, which are usually a constant presence in Gaza’s skies.
According to Al Jazeera, Hamas submitted its formal response to Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan on Friday, just hours after the U.S. president gave the group until Sunday to reply.
The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of all remaining 48 Israeli captives—20 of whom are believed to be alive—for Palestinian prisoners, the formation of a transitional government led by an international body, and the disarmament of Hamas.
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