Washington D.C. – US President Donald Trump issued a direct order to Israel demanding an immediate cessation of Gaza bombing operations following Hamas’s decision regarding hostage release from the October 7, 2023, attack. Trump’s response signals potential breakthrough in efforts to end the nearly two-year conflict that has devastated Gaza and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Trump’s Favorable Response to Hamas Hostage Release Statement
President Trump responded positively to Hamas’s announcement about the Hamas hostage release despite the organization failing to address several key elements of his comprehensive 20-point peace proposal. Trump expressed optimism that Hamas demonstrated readiness for lasting peace, even though critical demands such as disarmament remained unaddressed in the initial statement.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “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!” This direct command to Israel represents unprecedented presidential intervention in the ongoing conflict.
Safety Concerns Regarding Hamas Hostage Release Implementation
Trump acknowledged the dangerous conditions complicating the Hamas hostage release process. The President emphasized that current security circumstances in Gaza make immediate extraction operations highly risky for all parties involved. “Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out,” Trump stated, indicating ongoing negotiations about operational specifics.
The President framed the Hamas hostage release agreement as extending beyond Gaza’s immediate concerns, positioning it as foundational for achieving long-sought peace throughout the Middle East region. This broader strategic vision suggests Trump views the hostage situation as a gateway to comprehensive regional stability.
Hamas’s Conditional Agreement on Hostage Release
Hamas announced acceptance of key elements in Trump’s peace plan, specifically agreeing to the Hamas hostage release provision. However, the organization indicated that other aspects require further consultations among Palestinian factions before final agreement. Senior Hamas officials suggested significant disagreements persist, necessitating additional negotiations.
Hamas stated that matters concerning Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights should be determined through unanimous Palestinian consensus reached with other factions and grounded in international law. Notably absent from the Hamas hostage release statement was any mention of disarmament—a critical Israeli demand explicitly included in Trump’s proposal.
Israeli Response to Hamas Hostage Release Announcement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s readiness to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan, apparently referencing the Hamas hostage release phase. Netanyahu’s office issued a statement affirming Israel’s commitment to ending the war based on previously established principles, though it avoided addressing potential disagreements with Hamas’s position.
Israeli authorities subsequently instructed military forces to reduce offensive activities in Gaza, creating conditions for the Hamas hostage release process to proceed safely. This de-escalation represents tangible progress toward implementing the agreement’s initial components.
International Community Welcomes Hamas Hostage Release Agreement
Key mediators Egypt and Qatar expressed support for the Hamas hostage release development. Majed Al Ansari, spokesman for Qatar’s foreign ministry, confirmed intentions to “continue discussions on the plan,” indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to bridge remaining gaps between parties.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end Gaza’s tragic conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media that the Hamas hostage release and Gaza ceasefire are “within reach,” reflecting broader international optimism about peace prospects.
Trump’s Earlier Ultimatum to Hamas
Prior to Hamas’s announcement regarding hostage release, Trump issued a stern warning demanding agreement by Sunday evening. The President threatened unprecedented military escalation if Hamas failed to accept the proposal. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” Trump warned, adding “THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
This ultimatum established clear deadlines and consequences, pushing parties toward resolution ahead of the second anniversary of the October 7 attack.
Details of Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan
Trump’s proposal, unveiled alongside Netanyahu earlier in the week, requires the Hamas hostage release of 48 remaining captives—approximately 20 believed alive—within three days. The plan additionally demands Hamas relinquish power and disarm completely.
In exchange, Israel would halt offensive operations and withdraw from substantial Gaza territory, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and permit humanitarian aid influx and eventual reconstruction. Plans to relocate Gaza’s population to other countries would be abandoned.
Remaining Challenges Despite Hamas Hostage Release Agreement
While the Hamas hostage release announcement represents significant progress, substantial obstacles remain. Hamas’s refusal to address disarmament and insistence on immediate rather than staged Israeli withdrawal indicate continuing disagreements requiring further negotiation.
Conclusion: Cautious Optimism for Regional Peace
Trump’s response to the Hamas hostage release statement reflects cautious optimism tempered by recognition of implementation challenges. As negotiations continue through established mediators, the international community hopes this breakthrough can end nearly two years of devastating conflict and establish foundations for comprehensive Middle East peace.
