Trump Gaza Deal Wins Boost After Hamas Endorsement/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Palestinian Islamic Jihad endorsed Hamas’ acceptance of key parts of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, lifting hopes for a ceasefire and hostage releases. The move follows two years of relentless Israeli bombardment that has displaced millions. Israel, under pressure from allies and citizens, has begun easing strikes as global support grows for ending the war.
Gaza Ceasefire Progress: Quick Looks
- Islamic Jihad backs Hamas’ response to Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
- Hamas agrees to end the war, release hostages, and accept Israeli withdrawal.
- Trump gives Hamas until Sunday to finalize the deal.
- Israel confirms readiness for “immediate implementation” of hostage-release phase.
- Airstrikes ease after Trump calls for bombing halt.
- 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s 2023 offensive began.
- Global leaders—from India to the EU—support the proposed peace plan.
- Families of Israeli hostages urge Netanyahu to end the war.
Trump Gaza Deal Wins Boost After Hamas Endorsement
Deep Look
CAIRO/GAZA — A breakthrough may be emerging in the Gaza conflict as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, one of the region’s most hardline militant factions, endorsed Hamas’ response to a U.S.-brokered plan to end the war. The endorsement raises the possibility of a deal that could bring a ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal, and the release of remaining hostages.
The announcement came one day after Hamas informed mediators it would accept several key elements of President Donald Trump’s peace framework, including an end to fighting, the exchange of captives, and steps toward reconstruction in Gaza.
“Hamas’ reaction to Trump’s plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions,” Islamic Jihad said in a statement. “We participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision.”
A Hamas official told Reuters that implementation talks had not yet been scheduled, but confirmed that “things are being arranged.”
Gaza Residents Express Cautious Hope
For many Palestinians, weary from years of airstrikes, displacement, and economic collapse, Hamas’ acceptance of the plan has revived faint optimism.
“May the suffering lift off the people of Gaza,” said Sharif al-Fakhouri, from Hebron in the occupied West Bank. “Any ray of hope for the oppressed people is a victory.”
Still, uncertainty lingers. Among Israel’s top conditions for ending its offensive is the complete disarmament of Hamas, an issue that remains unresolved.
Israeli Response and Airstrike Lull
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading what analysts call the most right-wing government in the country’s history, faces internal divisions over Trump’s plan. His office said Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first phase, focused on the release of remaining hostages.
Following Hamas’ announcement, Israeli media reported that the military had been ordered to scale back offensive operations, though limited strikes continued Saturday. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 66 deaths from Israeli fire in the previous 24 hours—far lower than daily tallies in recent weeks.
Trump praised Hamas’ decision, declaring that the group appeared “ready for a lasting PEACE.” He urged Israel to stop its bombardment so hostages could be freed safely.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Global Leaders Welcome Momentum
From Australia to India and European capitals, world leaders reacted with cautious optimism, describing the moment as the most promising in years.
“An end to this terrible war is within reach,” said Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
The plan’s progress marks a shift after months of failed ceasefire attempts and diplomatic frustration. Trump’s ultimatum—accept the plan by Sunday at 6 p.m. Washington time or face “grave consequences”—appears to have accelerated decisions among all parties.
Pressure Mounts on Netanyahu
Inside Israel, public fatigue is mounting. Families of hostages held in Gaza have grown increasingly vocal, urging Netanyahu to accept the deal and bring their relatives home.
“It’s time to end this horrific war and bring every single hostage back,” said Efrat Machikawa, whose uncle was freed earlier this year. “We’re fed up with the war. We don’t want revenge—we want to live.”
The prime minister now faces competing demands: a war-weary public seeking closure and hardliners in his coalition who insist the campaign continue until Hamas is destroyed.
Two Years of Devastation
The war began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Now, with Hamas signaling readiness for peace and Islamic Jihad joining in, the question is whether Israel and the U.S. can turn momentum into an actual ceasefire.
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