French President Emmanuel Macron called for a prompt response from Israel to Hamas’ announcement late on Friday, stating that “Hamas’ commitment must be acted upon immediately,” according to an online post. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Hamas’ willingness to release hostages as “a significant step forward,” and emphasized the need for all parties to implement the agreement without delay, as per a statement from his office.
Despite Trump’s call for Israel to cease bombing in the Palestinian enclave on Friday, reports indicated Saturday morning that Israel was still conducting its offensive. A spokesperson for the Israeli armed forces warned that the northern Gaza Strip continued to be a “dangerous combat zone.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed earlier this week to a 20-point plan from the U.S. president, involving a Gaza ceasefire, the release of hostages, Hamas disarmament, and a phased Israeli military withdrawal. The Israeli prime minister’s office announced preparations for the first stage of the Trump plan to release all hostages.
In a Saturday social media post, Trump expressed appreciation for Israel’s temporary halt in bombing to facilitate the hostage release and peace effort. He warned that Hamas “must move quickly, or else all bets will be off,” declaring that any delay or future threat from Gaza would be intolerable.
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