Israel-Gaza live updates: Trump says he believes Hamas is ‘ready for a lasting PEACE’
Hamas Responds to Trump’s Peace Proposal for Gaza
In a swift response to Donald Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza, Hamas has laid out its conditions for signing onto the plan. The president has set a deadline of 6 p.m. ET Sunday for Hamas to agree to the terms he unveiled earlier this week.
Hamas has stated that it will release all remaining hostages only if Israel withdraws from Gaza and if “proper field conditions are met.” Further negotiations will be necessary to finalize the deal, which was presented by Trump during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
Despite international criticism over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces are pressing ahead with their operation to seize control of Gaza City, the largest urban area in the region.
Israel is facing mounting diplomatic pressure from Western nations, many of which have recognized Palestinian statehood. However, these same nations are adamant that Hamas should not be included in any future Palestinian government. These discussions have been taking place against the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York last week.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s stance that it will not permit the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
