Trump Demands Israel "Immediately" Halt Bombing of Gaza, Hamas Agrees to Proposal

In a significant and unexpected shift, former US President Donald Trump has publicly called on Israel to immediately cease its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, as the Palestinian group Hamas announced its acceptance of a comprehensive peace proposal he previously outlined.

The developments, which unfolded on Thursday, have introduced a potential breakthrough in the long-running conflict, injecting a new dynamic into stalled diplomatic efforts.

Trump's Direct Appeal and Hamas's Acceptance

The momentum began when Hamas issued a formal statement expressing its "immediate" readiness to enter into negotiations through mediators to discuss all details related to implementing an agreement. The group confirmed its agreement to release all captives, both living and the remains of the deceased, in line with the framework of Trump's plan.

In a swift response on his Truth Social platform, Trump amplified the possibility of a deal. He stated that the Hamas statement was "an indicator that they are ready for a permanent peace" and made a direct demand: "The American President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel stop bombing the Gaza Strip 'immediately' to allow for the release of the detainees in the strip."

Trump further revealed that "discussions are currently underway regarding the details that need to be worked on" to implement the plan for ending the war. He framed the moment as a critical juncture, emphasizing that the issue "is not only about Gaza, but about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East."

A Comprehensive White House Plan

The proposal at the center of the flurry of statements originates from a detailed plan released by the White House on September 29, 2025. That plan called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to be followed by a comprehensive reconstruction program and a reorganization of the strip's political and security situation.

Hamas's statement aligned with several key aspects of this vision. The group renewed its prior agreement to hand over the administration of Gaza to a body of Palestinian independents, based on a national consensus and supported by broader Arab-Islamic backing.

Crucially, Hamas also signaled a significant political concession, stating that the provisions in Trump's proposal concerning the future of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people "are linked to a national position to be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will be included and will contribute to with all responsibility."

Unanswered Questions and the Path Ahead

While the statements from both Trump and Hamas mark the most positive diplomatic development in recent memory, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The most significant immediate question is Israel's official response. The Israeli government, which has long maintained that military pressure is essential for securing the release of captives and dismantling Hamas's capabilities, has not yet publicly commented on these latest developments.

Furthermore, the "details" Trump mentioned as being under discussion are likely to be highly complex, encompassing the sequencing of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, the guarantees for security, and the composition and authority of the proposed Palestinian administrative body.

For now, the world watches to see if this unexpected convergence of statements—a US political figure's direct demand, a White House plan, and Hamas's strategic agreement—can create the necessary momentum to halt the fighting and open a new, albeit uncertain, chapter for Gaza and the region.

Official statement issued by Hamas on its response to US President Trump’s proposal

"Out of concern to stop the aggression and genocide our steadfast people in the Gaza Strip are facing, and stemming from national responsibility and commitment to our people’s constants, rights, and supreme interests, the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has conducted extensive consultations within its leadership institutions, broad consultations with Palestinian factions, as well as discussions with mediators and friends, to reach a responsible stance in dealing with President Donald Trump’s plan.

After thorough study, the movement has made its decision and conveyed the following response to the mediators:

Hamas values the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on Gaza, a prisoner exchange, the immediate entry of aid, rejection of the occupation of Gaza, and rejection of the displacement of our people from it.

In this framework, and in a manner that achieves an end to the war and a full withdrawal from the Strip, the movement announces its approval to release all occupation prisoners — both living and remains — according to the exchange formula outlined in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions ensured for the exchange process. In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter negotiations through mediators to discuss the details.

The movement also renews its approval to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on national Palestinian consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.

As for the other issues in Trump’s proposal relating to the future of Gaza and the inherent rights of the Palestinian people, these are tied to a collective national position and to relevant international laws and resolutions. They will be discussed through a comprehensive Palestinian national framework in which Hamas will participate and contribute responsibly."

Qatar and other Arab government leaders react

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson says Qatar welcomes Hamas’ acceptance of President Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza.

“We reaffirm our support for Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the release of captives.”

He added, “We have begun working with our partners in mediation to continue discussions on the plan to ensure a resolution to the war.”

Egypt reacts to Hamas's statement:

Egypt expresses its appreciation for Hamas’ statement responding to the U.S. President’s plan

The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its appreciation for the statement issued by Hamas in response to the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding ending the war in the Gaza Strip. The statement reflects the movement’s and the various Palestinian factions’ keenness to safeguard Palestinian blood and to unite efforts toward ending this war, which has been raging for nearly a year now. This position also reflects a genuine desire to move toward a political solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people and lays the necessary foundations for achieving peace and stability in the region, as well as ending the current war in a way that paves the path toward the establishment of the independent Palestinian state.

Egypt also commends the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump and his vision for achieving peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the importance of building on these efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue. This includes an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and providing full humanitarian aid. It also includes beginning the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and lifting the blockade imposed on it, in preparation for launching a political process aimed at achieving the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, establishing their independent state, and ensuring its integration and coexistence in peace and security with all peoples of the region.

Egypt expresses its hope that this positive development will lead all parties to assume their responsibilities seriously in addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, guaranteeing the flow of humanitarian aid to its people, and working toward the release of hostages and detainees. It calls for engaging in negotiations to reach a new ceasefire agreement under international supervision and guarantees, based on President Trump’s vision and in line with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions, to put an end to this conflict and move toward achieving comprehensive peace in the region.

Egypt also reiterates its call for the international community, in coordination with all Arab, Islamic, and international partners — especially the European Union and the United States — to intensify efforts to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, end the bloodshed, lift the suffering of the Palestinian people, and begin the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Yemen Sanaa government response

Yemeni Armed Forces

To our heroic brothers in the "Hamas" and "Islamic Jihad" movements

We are not concerned with the details of the negotiations because the decision is in your hands, but we remain committed to the pledge.

Just as our supporting military operations began at your request, they will not stop except at your request and will resume whenever you ask.

Your fate is our fate, and we are with you until victory or martyrdom. And those who have wronged will know to what kind of return they will be returned.

Israel's reponse:

Barak Ravid from Axios reports:

An Israeli official said Netanyahu was caught off guard by President Trump’s response.

In late-night consultations following Hamas’s statement and before Trump’s announcement, Netanyahu described Hamas’s reply as a rejection of Trump’s proposal, the official said.

According to the same official, Netanyahu stressed the need to coordinate Israel’s response with Washington to avoid any impression that Hamas had accepted the U.S. plan.

However, professionals involved in the hostage negotiations viewed Hamas’s reply as generally positive — a step that could open a path toward a potential deal.

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Other Hebrew media confirm this, some report that officials close to Netanyahu are calling it a 'surrender agreement', because it demands an immediate ceasefire before a hostage exchange and it does not mention the disarmament of Hamas.

Israel opposition leaders seem to want accept the deal with Hamas: