U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday directed Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip after Hamas indicated willingness to accept parts of his peace plan, raising hopes for an end to the nearly two-year war.

Trump on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt airstrikes on Gaza, citing Hamas’ statement that it has agreed to some elements of his peace initiative, including the release of hostages taken during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

Hamas said it was prepared to free the remaining hostages and transfer power to other Palestinians, though it noted that some aspects of the proposal require further consultations.

Senior leaders also signaled that major differences remain, which would need additional negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was ready to implement the “first stage” of the plan, apparently referring to the hostages’ release.

However, his office reiterated that Israel remains committed to ending the war on its own stated principles, without addressing possible gaps with Hamas.

Trump welcomed Hamas’ announcement, saying he believed the group was “ready for a lasting PEACE.”

He stressed that hostages must be freed safely, writing on social media: “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out.”

The development has fueled fresh optimism that the Gaza war could be nearing its end.

Source: AP