US President Donald Trump on Truth Social announced that Israel has paused its bombardment of the Gaza Strip to allow time for the release of hostages and the implementation of a 20-point peace plan.
Taking to Truth Social, he wrote, “I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!”
Later on Saturday, Trump wrote in another post that Israel had agreed to a preliminary withdrawal line following negotiations, which had been presented to Hamas, according to Xinhua news agency.
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!” the US President noted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism that all hostages held in Gaza could be released ‘within the coming days’.
Indirect discussions with Hamas continued in Egypt on Monday under a new US initiative to end the conflict.
In a short statement late Saturday, Netanyahu said a delegation had been dispatched to Egypt ‘to complete the technical aspects’. He stresses that Israel aimed to keep the negotiations confined to a matter of days.
Earlier on Friday, Trump set a deadline for Hamas to accept the peace proposal by 6 PM Eastern Time (2200 GMT) on Sunday. He warned of unprecedented consequences if the deadline was missed.
Hamas later announced it had accepted the plan in principle and was prepared to enter mediated talks. The international community broadly welcomed the development and encouraged both parties to use the opportunity to bring the war to an end and ease the humanitarian crisis.
The 20-point plan includes:
Hamas will not play a role in the future governing body.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel will stop its military operations and withdraw to the agreed positions. Within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance, Hamas must release all hostages, both living and deceased.
In return, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after 7 October 2023.
Former Hamas fighters who lay down their arms and commit to peaceful living will receive amnesty, while those wishing to depart Gaza will be given safe passage to countries willing to receive them.
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