President Donald Trump has called on Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza following Hamas' conditional acceptance of his proposed peace plan, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Hamas responded to Trump's comprehensive peace proposal with what officials describe as a "yes, but" position—indicating willingness to engage in negotiations while maintaining several key demands that differ from the original framework.
Hamas Conditions
The militant group has agreed to release all remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, but has insisted on several additional conditions including:
- Recognition of Palestinian statehood
- Right of return for Palestinian refugees
- International guarantees for reconstruction funding
- Withdrawal of Israeli settlements from the West Bank
"While we appreciate President Trump's efforts to broker peace, our people's legitimate rights cannot be compromised," said Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan in a statement released from Beirut.
Trump's Response
In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, Trump reportedly urged restraint in military operations while negotiations continue. "We have a real opportunity here for peace," Trump told Netanyahu, according to a senior administration official.
The president's intervention comes as Israeli forces have intensified their operations in southern Gaza, particularly around Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
International Pressure
The development has drawn mixed reactions from international leaders. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell welcomed Hamas' willingness to engage but cautioned that "all parties must demonstrate genuine commitment to a lasting solution."
Meanwhile, Egyptian officials, who have been mediating between the parties, expressed cautious optimism about the potential for meaningful negotiations to begin within the next two weeks.
The Trump administration has emphasized that any final agreement must ensure Israel's security while addressing Palestinian aspirations for self-determination—a delicate balance that has eluded previous peace efforts.
