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WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Friday he believed Hamas was ready for peace and told Israel to stop bombing Gaza, after the Palestinian militant group declared it was ready to free hostages under his ceasefire plan.
"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!" Trump posted on Truth Social.
"Right now, it's far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East."
The Hamas statement came hours after Trumphad given a deadline of late Sunday to respond to the peace plan he unveiled earlier this week at the White House or face "hell."
"The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages -- living and remains -- according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal," the Hamas statement said, adding it was ready to enter talks "to discuss the details."
Trump also shared the Hamas statement on his social media -- in an almost unheard of move for a US president -- as did the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier that Trump would make remarks on Hamas's "acceptance" of his deal, and posted a picture of him addressing television cameras from behind his desk.
"Behind the Scenes in the Oval Office: President Trump responds to Hamas' acceptance of his Peace Plan," Leavitt posted on X. "Stay tuned!"
Trump unveiled the 20-point peace plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, saying that if Hamas rejected it he would back Israel to "finish the job."
