Trump tells Israel 'stop bombing Gaza' - as Hamas agrees to release Israeli hostages, and to parts of peace deal

Donald Trump has said Hamas is ready for a "lasting peace" after the Palestinian militants agreed to release all remaining hostages, as he called on Israel to stop bombing Gaza.

The US leader was responding to a statement by Hamas on Friday in which the group committed to returning all remaining hostages in Gaza, dead and alive. Hamas also said it wants to engage in negotiations to discuss further details of the president's peace plan, including handing over "administration of the enclave to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats".

However, other aspects of the 20-point document, it warned, would require further consultation among Palestinians. The Hamas statement came after Mr Trump warned he would unleash "all hell" if they did not respond to his peace plan, announced earlier this week, by Sunday.

Following the group's response, the president said there was now a real chance of peace. "I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE," Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.

"Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! "Right now, it's far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out.

This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East." In a video later posted on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump called it a "very special day" and said the end of the war was "very close". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for the implementation of the "first stage" of Mr Trump's plan, apparently in reference to the release of hostages.

Starmer calls for 'agreement without delay' Sir Keir Starmer said Hamas's partial acceptance of the peace plan was a "significant step forwards" and called for an "agreement without delay". The prime minister said Mr Trump's efforts "have brought us closer to peace than ever before" and added: "There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for the hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it.

"We call on all sides to implement the agreement without delay." He went on to say the UK was ready to support further negotiations and work "towards sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike". French President Emmanuel Macron said "the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach.