Hamas response to Trump plan wins hardline support

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a hardline ally of Hamas that also holds hostages, on Saturday endorsed the group’s response to a US plan to end the war in Gaza – a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israelis still held by both parties.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted certain key parts of US President Donald Trump’s plan, including ending the war, Israel’s withdrawal and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.

Hamas’s response triggered a chorus of optimistic statements by world leaders urging an immediate cessation of the deadliest conflict involving Israel since its creation in 1948, and freedom for the remaining Israelis held in the tiny enclave.

A further possible boost to hopes for peace came with a supportive statement from Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as more hardline.

“Hamas’ (reaction) to Trump’s plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad took part responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision,” the group said.

Hamas’ stance, and its backing by Islamic Jihad, may raise the spirit of Gazans, who have watched one ceasefire effort after another fail as Israeli strikes hit the strip over the past two years, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions.