Palestinian Resistance factions welcome Hamas response to Trump plan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
Today 11:48

Palestinian Resistance factions endorse Hamas’s response to Trump’s Gaza proposal as a “responsible national stance,” urging immediate action by the Palestinian Authority.

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Masked Palestinian Resistance fighters attend a memorial in Gaza City, Palestine, on December 18, 2016. (AP)

Palestinian Resistance factions on Saturday welcomed Hamas’s response to United States President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal as the outcome of a “responsible national position” reached after deep consultations among the factions, and urged immediate follow‑through by all parties to secure an end to the assault on Gaza and advance national unity.

The joint statement said Hamas was speaking “on behalf of the Palestinian forces” and said the reply was the product of wide consultations aimed at reaching an agreement that serves “the interest of our people and guarantees an end to the war of annihilation.”

The factions called on all relevant actors to complete the necessary steps and procedures without delay.

“The reply presented by Hamas to the American proposal is the result of a responsible national position,” the statement read.

“It came after deep consultations with the factions to reach an agreement that accords with our people’s interests and ensures an end to the war of annihilation,” the joint statement added.

Call for Palestinian Authority to act urgently

The statement placed specific responsibility on the Palestinian Authority (PA), urging it to begin immediately to fulfil its duties and obligations, including convening an urgent national meeting. Factions said such a gathering is necessary to translate the current diplomatic opening into a unified national framework that protects Palestinian rights and determines Gaza’s future.

“We call on the Palestinian Authority to fulfil its duties and commitments from this moment, including the need to hold an urgent national meeting,” the Palestinian factions demanded.

Unity, resistance, ending occupation

The factions framed Hamas’ stance as a defiant appeal to the world and a firm message to "Israel" that “the time has come” for the occupation to be removed from Palestinian land. They stressed that the Palestinian people deserve outcomes that crown their steadfastness with results meeting their national aspirations: freedom, independence, and the end of occupation.

“Our people deserve that their steadfastness and heroism be crowned with outcomes that meet their national ambitions for freedom, independence, and an end to occupation,” the statement concluded.

PIJ announces its support for Hamas' response

Earlier, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) affirmed that Hamas’ recent response to Trump’s plan represents the collective position of the Palestinian Resistance.

PIJ stated that it “participated responsibly in the consultations that led to the decision regarding Trump’s plan,” further highlighting the unified approach among Palestinian factions in addressing proposals affecting Gaza.

Hamas submits its official response

Late Friday, Hamas submitted its official response to mediators on Trump’s proposal concerning the Gaza Strip. The movement announced its willingness to release all Israeli captives, including both living detainees and remains, according to the framework outlined in the US-brokered plan, while ensuring the necessary operational conditions for the exchange.

Hamas emphasized that other elements of the proposal, particularly those related to the future governance of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people, “are linked to a comprehensive national stance based on relevant international laws and resolutions.”

The statement from PIJ underscores the coordination among Palestinian Resistance factions and reflects a broader commitment to a unified approach in negotiations involving Gaza’s humanitarian and political future.

Read more: Erdogan, Trump discuss Gaza war, defense ties amid policy rift

Israeli government orders halt to Gaza City offensive

"Israel’s" political leadership has ordered Israeli occupation forces to halt their ongoing ground offensive in Gaza City, according to Israeli media outlets. The move reportedly followed pressure from US President Donald Trump to pause strikes and prioritize ending the war and freeing captives held by the Palestinian Resistance.

According to Israeli media, troops on the ground will now focus exclusively on “defensive operations,” emphasizing that all capabilities will be redirected to the Israeli Southern Command to protect occupation soldiers while preparing for the “first stage” of Trump’s plan to secure the captives’ release.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir convened a meeting with senior generals for a “special situational assessment in light of the developments.” In a statement, Zamir stressed that operational readiness and quick response to potential threats remain paramount, even as offensive operations are suspended.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that "Israel" is prepared to implement the initial phase of the US-brokered plan, which calls for the release of all captives.