Hamas Calls Cease-Fire the Core of U.S. Gaza Plan as Israel Begins First-Stage Implementation
Talks now focus on applying the U.S.-brokered 20-point framework to a time-bound truce.
Overview
- A Hamas spokesman said an immediate cessation of hostilities is the decisive element of President Trump's proposal, with other terms open to negotiation, including protections against forced displacement.
- Hamas signaled readiness to release all living Israeli hostages and transfer the remains of the dead in line with the plan conveyed through intermediaries.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the cease-fire moves and said he is working to finalize truce details, prioritizing full calm, releases, UN-led humanitarian access, guarantees against annexation or expulsion, and the start of reconstruction under Palestinian authority.
- Israel's prime minister's office stated that Israel has begun immediate implementation of the plan's first stage aimed at freeing all hostages.
- The White House outlined a 20-point approach that includes temporary external administration and international stabilization forces, and President Trump urged Israel to pause strikes to enable safe hostage releases after granting Hamas several days to respond.