Hamas response to Trump plan wins hardline support, lifting hostage release hopes

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a hardline ally of Hamas that also holds hostages, on Saturday endorsed the group's response to a U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza – a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israelis still held by both parties.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted certain key parts of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, including ending the war, Israel's withdrawal and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.

Hamas's response triggered a chorus of optimistic statements by world leaders urging an immediate cessation of the deadliest conflict involving Israel since its creation in 1948, and demanding freedom for the Israelis still held in the enclave.

A further possible boost to hopes for peace came with a supportive statement from Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as more hardline.

PALESTINIANS LOOK FOR 'RAY OF HOPE' AFTER HAMAS RESPONSE

"Hamas' (reaction) to Trump's plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision," the group said.

Asked when talks on implementing the U.S. plan would begin, a Hamas official told Reuters "things have yet to be arranged".

Hamas' stance, and its backing by Islamic Jihad, may raise the spirit of Gazans, who had watched one ceasefire effort after another fail as Israeli strikes hit the strip over the past two years, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions.

"May the suffering lift off the people of Gaza, the people of Gaza are among the oppressed of the earth, and any ray of hope for the oppressed people is a victory," said Sharif al-Fakhouri, resident of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.

Amid the optimism several issues remain unresolved, such as whether Hamas will agree to disarm, one of Israel's top demands.

Some Palestinians expressed fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads Israel's most far-right government ever, will ultimately withdraw from any plan to end the war.