Gaza / Washington: Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), an Iran-backed militant group allied with Hamas, on Saturday endorsed Hamas’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to end the war in Gaza — a move that could mark a significant step toward the release of Israeli hostages held by both groups.
“Hamas’s reaction to Trump’s plan represents the unified position of the Palestinian resistance factions,” PIJ said in a statement. “The Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision.” The group, though smaller than Hamas, is widely regarded as more hardline.
On Friday, Hamas formally accepted key components of Trump’s 20-point proposal, including a ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and a mutual exchange involving Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The rare alignment between Hamas and Islamic Jihad has raised cautious optimism in Gaza, which has endured relentless Israeli airstrikes for nearly two years — leaving tens of thousands dead, millions displaced, and a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
“It’s good news — it saves the living, it saves our people,” said Saoud Qarneyta, a 32-year-old resident of Gaza. “We are exhausted; thank God they agreed. We just want this to end.”
Others, however, voiced skepticism that Israel would honor any agreement. “What’s important is that Netanyahu doesn’t sabotage it,” said Jamal Shihada, a resident of Jerusalem. “Now that Hamas has agreed, Netanyahu will likely find a reason to disagree, as always.”
Israel Issues Warning as Airstrikes Ease
The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson warned Gaza City residents that the area remained a “dangerous combat zone,” urging civilians to avoid northern regions and areas of military operation. Reports from Axios suggested that Israel might scale back its ground campaign and shift toward defensive operations, suspending plans to seize Gaza City.
While airstrikes continued into Saturday, their intensity appeared reduced following President Trump’s call to halt the bombing to facilitate the release of hostages. According to Gaza health officials, Israeli fire killed six people overnight — four in a house in Gaza City and two in Khan Younis in the south.
Trump Pushes for “Decisive Progress”
President Trump, who has portrayed himself as the only leader capable of brokering lasting peace in Gaza, has invested significant political capital in resolving the two-year conflict. On Friday, he said Hamas’s acceptance signaled that the group was “ready for a lasting PEACE,” urging Israel to act swiftly.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump had earlier given Hamas until Sunday to accept the U.S. proposal or face “grave consequences.”
Netanyahu Faces Mounting Pressure
Domestically, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an increasingly difficult balancing act — pressured by hostage families and a war-weary public to end the conflict, while far-right coalition partners demand continued military operations.
Israel’s campaign began after the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, which left about 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive.
In response to Hamas’s acceptance, Netanyahu’s office announced preparations for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s plan — focused on the release of Israeli hostages. Shortly afterward, Israeli media reported that the government had directed the military to scale down offensive operations in Gaza.
Global Support for Peace Efforts
Trump’s plan and Hamas’s response have received broad international support, with countries from Australia, India, and Canada expressing optimism for a breakthrough. The Israeli military’s Chief of Staff instructed forces to “advance readiness” for the first phase of the plan’s implementation, though no mention was made of reducing activity in Gaza.
According to Gaza health authorities, more than 66,000 people — mostly civilians — have been killed during Israel’s military operations. Much of the territory now lies in ruins, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid have pushed several regions to the brink of famine.
As diplomatic momentum builds, the joint stance of Hamas and Islamic Jihad represents the first tangible sign in months of a potential shift toward de-escalation — and possibly, the beginning of an end to one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history.
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