DayofPal– U.S. President Donald Trump praised Hamas leadership as “very strong and smart negotiators” following a major agreement with Israel to implement a ceasefire, exchange prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Speaking at a White House press conference on Friday, Trump said he had addressed Hamas “in a strong tone” to secure the ceasefire and emphasized the importance of preventing further civilian casualties.
“The world out there is strong, and Hamas are very strong and smart people and good negotiators,” Trump stated.
“They understood the cost of continued fighting on civilians. Retaliation would have been massive, unbearable, and would have resulted in total destruction. No one wants that at this stage.”
The ceasefire deal, which went into effect at 12:00 PM Jerusalem time (09:00 GMT) on Friday, was approved earlier that morning by the Israeli government.
Trump expressed optimism that the truce would hold, saying both sides were “tired of fighting” and ready to move forward. He also mentioned plans for reconstruction in Gaza, noting that support would come from “wealthy countries in the region,” although he did not name them.
The agreement, brokered after four days of indirect negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, was facilitated under U.S. supervision with participation from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.
Key points of the agreement include: A mutual ceasefire, a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, immediate humanitarian aid access , and the post-war day.
This deal marks the first phase of what Trump referred to as a broader peace plan for the Middle East.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=68342
