Ready for talks: Hamas responds to Trump's latest warning
Photo: militants of the Palestinian group Hamas (Getty Images)
The Palestinian group Hamas declared its readiness for immediate negotiations with Israel on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, The Times of Israel reported.
Hamas, in its statement, said it was ready to immediately join negotiations to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration of ending the war, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to administer the enclave.
"Hamas welcomes any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people," the statement says, affirming that it received "some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire."
The group emphasized that it welcomed any steps contributing to ending what it called aggression against the Palestinian people. Hamas stressed that it remained in constant contact with mediators to turn these proposals into a comprehensive agreement meeting its demands.
Trump's demand
On September 7, US President Donald Trump urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire and hostage-release plan approved by Israel, warning of "consequences" if the group refused. Earlier, Israel announced its willingness to halt the offensive in Gaza if such an agreement were reached.
The Israeli military had already approved the Chariots of Gideon II operation to seize Gaza at the end of August, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his approval both to the military plans and to restarting talks with Hamas.
