US President Donald Trump’s call to halt attacks on the Gaza Strip was welcomed by Hamas. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described Trump’s remarks that Israel must not attack Gaza as a sign of commitment to the ceasefire process.
Qassem called on the US administration to pressure the Israeli government to launch the second phase of the agreement reached under the Gaza plan.
Trump’s remarks on Gaza
Trump said Hamas had agreed to lay down its arms if it fulfilled its obligations under the plan. The US president also said that Washington had a separate channel of communication with Hamas and that the group would ultimately lay down its arms.
Gaza plan envisions disarmament and withdrawal
The US administration continues its efforts to implement Trump’s Gaza plan. The plan envisions the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas issued its statement as allegations of ceasefire violations in Gaza continued. Hamas said in its statement that airstrikes, artillery fire and the use of weapons had caused the deaths of Palestinians.