Published: 4:13am, 4 Oct 2025Updated: 6:51am, 4 Oct 2025
US President Donald Trump seized on Hamas’s willingness to discuss a ceasefire on Friday, declaring that Israel must “immediately” stop its bombing campaign in Gaza to clear the way for negotiations.
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“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 social media.
The announcement came after Hamas said it was prepared to accept parts of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan – including giving up power and releasing all remaining hostages.
But Hamas, labelled a terrorist organisation by the US, Israel and the European Union, insisted that other points would require broader Palestinian consultations.
Friday saw a flurry of statements from both sides, with Trump earlier warning that Hamas must sign on to the deal by Sunday night or risk an even harsher military offensive.
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Trump wrote on social media that most of Hamas’ fighters were “surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished. As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down and killed.”