HAMAS has agreed to key points of Trump’s plan to end the war and exchange hostages. Support for Islamic Jihad paves the way for a truce.
Hamas, Islamic Jihad back Trump’s Gaza plan
On Saturday, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group announced that it supports Hamas’ response to Donald Trump’s peace plan. The two forces, which are still holding Israeli hostages, have agreed to a number of key US demands – an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and a prisoner exchange.
The move could be the first real chance to end the two-year conflict that has led to a humanitarian catastrophe and a massive displacement of Gaza’s population.
Reaction on the ground
Some Palestinians welcomed the news with relief: “We are tired of this war, the main thing is that it can end,” say Gazans. At the same time, others fear that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could tear up the deal, as has happened before.
The Israeli military, meanwhile, warned residents that the northern areas of the enclave remain dangerous combat zones. Despite the decrease in the intensity of airstrikes, shelling continued, claiming the lives of at least six people.
Israeli and international reaction
Netanyahu’s office said the country was preparing for “immediate implementation” of the first phase of the plan, which involves the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media reported that the army had been instructed to scale back offensive operations.
The Hamas plan and response have received support from many countries around the world, from Australia and India to Canada. The IDF Chief of Staff has already ordered the troops to prepare for the first phase.
The political balance and Netanyahu’s dilemma
Trump declared that only he could achieve peace in Gaza, and placed the responsibility on the Netanyahu government: “Israel must immediately stop the bombing in order to save the hostages.”
Netanyahu himself found himself under double pressure: on the one hand, from the families of the hostages and a war-weary society, and on the other, from far-right allies who demand a continuation of the offensive.
Context of the war
Israel launched the operation after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, when about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were kidnapped in Gaza. Israel now estimates that 48 hostages remain in the hands of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, 20 of whom are alive.
According to local health authorities, the Israeli campaign has already claimed more than 66,000 lives in Gaza, most of them civilians. The destruction of infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian aid have led to famine and catastrophic conditions in the Strip.
Related: Hamas agreed to “immediately” begin hostage talks under Trump’s Gaza plan
