Saturday, October 4, 2025
Israel Eases Operations as Hamas Approves Trump’s Gaza Peace Deal
Hamas announced that it has approved the release of all Israeli captives, the return of deceased bodies, and the transfer of Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian body. This decision is part of the group’s official response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
In a statement shared on Telegram, Hamas said that other issues in Trump’s plan — such as Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights — depend on a unified national position based on international laws and UN resolutions. Trending: Saudi Arabia's vision 2030 to bring flying cars and air taxis to its skies
Hamas confirmed it had sent its official response to mediators and asked for clarifications on certain clauses. The group said it consulted with Palestinian factions, mediators, and international partners before finalizing its stance.
Hamas stated it would release all Israeli captives, both living and deceased, “according to the exchange formula in President Trump’s proposal,” once proper conditions on the ground are secured for the exchange.
Israel estimates 48 captives remain in Gaza, including 20 alive, while around 11,100 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel.
The group also said it is ready to hand over Gaza’s administration to a technocratic Palestinian body formed through national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic nations.
President Trump has given Hamas until Sunday, 6 p.m. Washington time (2200 GMT) to approve the plan fully.
Details of Trump’s Ceasefire Plan
On September 29, the White House revealed a 20-point proposal aimed at stopping the war in Gaza. The plan calls for:
➤ An immediate ceasefire.
➤ Reconstruction of Gaza.
➤ Reorganization of Gaza’s political and security systems.
➤ The disarmament of Hamas.
➤ The release of all Israeli captives within 72 hours.
➤ The gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.
➤ The establishment of a transitional technocratic authority under international supervision led by Trump. Most Viewed: Saudi Central Bank orders banks to pay salaries on time
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza’s 2.4 million residents for nearly 18 years, tightening it further in March by blocking food and medicine. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 66,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian and international reports.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with famine and disease spreading rapidly.
Trump Welcomes Hamas Response, Calls for Peace
President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’ response, saying he believes the group is “ready for a lasting peace.”
“Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
He added that the U.S. is working on the details and that “this is not just about Gaza — it’s about long-sought peace in the Middle East.”
The White House also released a video of Trump recording a message on Gaza, though no release date was given.
Hamas’ official response includes approving the release of all captives, the return of bodies, and transferring Gaza’s governance to an independent Palestinian technocratic authority.
Israeli Military Reduces Activity in Gaza
After Hamas’ response and Trump’s approval, the Israeli army announced that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met with senior generals for a special assessment.
Following political orders, Zamir instructed the army to prepare for the first phase of Trump’s plan to free the hostages.
The army was ordered to stop offensive operations in Gaza and focus on defensive actions, mainly in the south.
Israeli Army Radio and Kan Public Radio reported that Israel’s campaign to take control of Gaza City was halted after talks between Israeli and American officials.
Military operations are now limited to a “minimum” level, focusing on defense.
In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel is “ready to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan to release all hostages.”
It added that Israel would continue to cooperate fully with Trump and his team to end the war based on shared principles.
However, the statement did not mention Trump’s call for Israel to stop attacks immediately. Read: Saudi Arabia to allow full access of stock market to foreign investors
Trump Again Urges Israel to Stop Bombing Gaza
After Hamas delivered its response, Trump repeated his demand for Israel to stop bombing Gaza “immediately.”
On Truth Social, he wrote:
“Based on the statement just released by Hamas, I think they are ready for lasting peace. Israel must stop bombing Gaza immediately so we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!”
He emphasized that the situation is “too dangerous” right now and said that discussions on the plan’s details are ongoing.
Hamas Statement and Local Reactions
In its official statement, Hamas said it studied Trump’s plan thoroughly and held broad consultations with Palestinian forces, mediators, and international partners.
It thanked Arab, Islamic, and global efforts, as well as Trump’s initiative to:
🔘 End the war
🔘 Enable prisoner exchanges
🔘 Allow humanitarian aid
🔘 Prevent displacement
🔘 Stop the long-term occupation of Gaza
Hamas confirmed its agreement to release all Israeli captives, living and deceased, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, following Trump’s proposal.
It also expressed readiness to start negotiations through mediators immediately.
Following Hamas’ announcement, celebrations broke out in Gaza, as residents welcomed the group’s approval of the ceasefire plan after nearly two years of devastating war. Follow Saudi Expatriates on Truth Social platform
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| Israel Eases Operations as Hamas Approves Trump’s Gaza Peace Deal |
