Hamas agrees to release all Israeli hostages, 'they are ready for lasting peace,' says Trump | LIVE

Trump responds to Hamas statement, calls on Israel to halt strikes to secure hostage release

U.S. President Donald Trump has reacted to Hamas’s announcement accepting key elements of his peace plan for Gaza, sharing the group’s statement — in English — on his Truth Social platform, alongside a message urging Israel to stop its military campaign.

“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump wrote. “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.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also posted a photo showing Trump recording his official response to what she described as “Hamas’ acceptance of his Peace Plan.”

As reported by Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan from Washington, D.C., it's still unclear whether the administration views Hamas’s statement as a full endorsement or simply an acknowledgment of the plan.

Hamas announced Friday that it agrees to release all Israeli hostages, both living and dead, “in accordance with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal,” and expressed readiness to “immediately begin negotiations through mediators to discuss the details.”

Hamas announced Friday that it agrees to release all Israeli hostages, both living and dead, “in accordance with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal,” and expressed readiness to “immediately begin negotiations through mediators to discuss the details.”

In its statement, Hamas welcomed "the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as those of President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, facilitating a prisoner exchange, ensuring immediate humanitarian aid, rejecting the occupation of Gaza, and opposing the displacement of our Palestinian people.”

Hamas stated that “other points in President Trump’s proposal concerning the future of Gaza and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people depend on a unified national position and must be based on relevant international laws and resolutions.” These issues, the group said, “will be discussed within a unified Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will participate responsibly.”

Reuters reported that senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera on Friday that the group would not disarm before the Israeli "occupation" ends.

He added that Gaza’s future should be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian framework that includes Hamas, and that the group is ready to enter negotiations on all matters related to itself and its military wing.

Hamas added that it had conducted "extensive consultations within its leadership and with mediators and brotherly allies to reach a responsible position on President Trump’s plan,” and reaffirmed its commitment to ending “the aggression and the war of extermination faced by the people of Gaza.”

Hamas also reaffirmed its support for transferring the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian authority composed of independent figures.

⚡Hamas said on Friday it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza proposal, and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details.

The spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned Friday the Israeli attack on UNIFIL in southern Lebanon that took place the previous day.

"Attacks against peacekeepers, or any interference in their mandated missions, show a disregard for the safety of UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese army, as well as for the stability they are trying to restore in southern Lebanon," he said, adding that "such actions also constitute a serious violation of Security Council Resolution 1701."

UNIFIL says Israeli army dropped grenades near peacekeepers in Maroun al-Ras

UNIFIL said Israeli drones dropped grenades near peacekeepers in Maroun al-Ras on Thursday while they were securing debris removal operations. No injuries were reported, and work resumed after the incident.

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Erdogan to Trump: Israel must halt attacks for peace efforts to succeed

In a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that peace efforts in the region cannot succeed unless Israel stops its attacks, according to the Turkish presidency, cited by Reuters.

Erdogan expressed support for Trump’s latest Gaza peace plan and said Turkey had stepped up diplomatic efforts to support regional stability. The call, requested by the U.S., also covered bilateral ties and defense cooperation.

South Lebanon

Small Israeli drones have dropped three stun grenades on the village of Houla and a forth one targeting an excavator that was clearing rubble for the South Council in the al-Jdeideh neighborhood near the Mays al-Jabal Governmental Hospital (Marjayoun district), according to our correspondent in the South.

Trump sets Sunday deadline for Hamas agreement, warns of 'hell' if rejected

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas a final deadline to accept his plan for Gaza’s future. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “An agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time.” He warned, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”

Reuters reports that the plan, which Hamas is currently reviewing, calls for an immediate cease-fire, a hostage exchange, staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government led by an international body.

Trump initially gave Hamas three to four days to accept the 20-point document, which includes the controversial demand for disarmament — a move Hamas has rejected before.

Hamas condemns Ben-Gvir over Flotilla remarks

Hamas has condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for calling activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla “terrorists” during a visit to their detention center, Al Jazeera reports.

Ben-Gvir also opposed deporting the activists, saying they should be jailed for several months instead.

Hamas called his actions an example of Israel’s “moral and political decadence” and urged international condemnation, while praising the activists’ “heroic stance.”

At least 63 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza in past 24 hours

The Gaza Health Ministry announced that at least 63 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army in the past 24 hours, according to a statement issued at 2:30 p.m., adding that 227 other people were injured in Israeli airstrikes that hit the enclave during the same period.

This brings the official death toll from the Israeli offensive against the enclave to at least 66,288 dead and 169,165 injured since Oct. 7, 2023, the ministry stated.

The actual number of casualties is likely much higher, given that thousands of bodies of presumed missing persons, buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings, remain unaccounted for, according to Gaza authorities.

Newborn baby dies in Gaza hospital besieged by Israeli army

A newborn baby has died at the al-Helou International Hospital in Gaza City, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, as infants are being evacuated from the facility due to the intensification of Israeli military operations in the surrounding area.

Three premature babies have already been transferred out of the hospital, while 10 others are still awaiting evacuation, the agency added, citing local medical sources.

The situation for mothers and newborns in the Palestinian enclave has never been more critical, according to UNICEF. "The situation for mothers and newborns in Gaza has never been more critical. At Nasser Hospital, we see the corridors filled with women who have just given birth," UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters on Friday.

Gaza flotilla: Bustros Palace initiates contacts to secure release of 2 Lebanese citizens arrested by Israel

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry stated in a press release on Friday that it is "following the case of the arrest by Israel of two Lebanese citizens," who were on board the Global Freedom Flotilla, launched to attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

"Contacts are underway to ascertain their well-being and to ensure their release as soon as possible," the statement said.

The Israeli navy intercepted all 42 vessels comprising the flotilla and arrested more than 450 people from various countries. Some of the activists arrested by Israeli authorities, including four Italians, have been deported back to Europe, while the others remain in Israeli custody.

Gaza: Israeli strike kills 7 in al-Mawassi 'humanitarian zone'

An Israeli attack killed at least seven Palestinians in the so-called "humanitarian zone" of al-Mawassi, an area to which the Israeli army has been urging Gazans to evacuate for their safety in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a source at Nasser Hospital, quoted by Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, another Israeli raid on the Ansar neighborhood, near Gaza City, killed two more people, according to a local ambulance service source.

Lawyers for some 30 French citizens aboard aid flotilla denounce Paris' inaction

The lawyers representing 35 French citizens who were on board the international aid flotilla for Gaza, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, announced their intention to file a complaint for "arbitrary detention" and denounced the inaction of the French authorities.

"We have received no news or any communication from these 35 French nationals," stated lawyer Anouck Michelin at a press conference, adding that they had authorized lawyers to represent them. Michelin is defending them alongside lawyers Raphaël Kempf, Romain Ruiz and Chirinne Ardakani. These lawyers, who criticize the consular authorities for failing to provide any updates, intend to file a complaint for "seizure of a vessel" and "arbitrary detention."

The lawyers also urge France to join the legal proceedings initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in late December 2023 regarding the situation in Gaza. In January 2014, the ICJ called on Israel to prevent any acts constituting genocide, warning of a "real and imminent risk" of "irreparable harm" to Palestinians. Israel rejects the accusation of genocide.

Situation update in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army dropped flares over the Marj al-Khiam region (Marjayoun district), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli drone also dropped a stun grenade on civilians in the Jidar area, east of the village of Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun), approximately two hours after dropping another stun grenade on the village of Kfar Kila, in the same district.

'2 opposing opinions' within Hamas regarding Trump’s plan, according to source close to negotiations

A source close to the ongoing negotiations in Doha told AFP that “there are two opinions within Hamas” regarding the 20-point plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump this week.

“One opinion supports unconditional acceptance, as the priority is a cease-fire within the framework of the guarantees offered by Trump, with mediators ensuring that Israel implements the plan,” the source said. The other opinion “rejects the disarmament and expulsion” of Hamas leaders and “favors conditional acceptance.”

Thousands take to the streets again in Italy to protest for Gaza

Thousands of people took to the streets again in Italy, at the call of the main labor unions, to show their support for the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza and denounce the inaction of Giorgia Meloni's government in the face of the siege of the Palestinian territory.

A call for a general strike, launched without prior notice and therefore technically illegal, led to disruptions in public transport, although a minimum service was maintained during peak hours.

"The streets will be packed," warned Maurizio Landini, general secretary of CGIL, the leading Italian labor union, on Radio Anch'io this morning, while the government warned of the risk that one million Italians could be stranded on trains.

The mobilization in support of the Palestinians continues unabated in Italy, 10 days after a previous, highly successful demonstration. In Rome, thousands gathered in front of the main train station, where morning trains were experiencing significant delays or cancellations.

Gaza aid flotilla ship intercepted docks in Cyprus

A Cypriot government spokesperson stated that one of the ships in the Gaza aid flotilla, carrying 21 crew members, had requested permission to dock in Larnaca on Thursday to refuel and for humanitarian reasons.

In his statement, the spokesperson did not identify the ship nor specify whether it was one of the approximately ten vessels seized that day by the Israeli military. After registering the identity of all passengers, Cypriot authorities provided them with basic necessities and offered consular assistance, he added.

In total, the Israeli navy intercepted all 42 vessels comprising the Global Sumud flotilla and arrested more than 450 activists from Italy, Spain, France, and other countries, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP of Palestinian origin, Rima Hassan, prompting a wave of international condemnation of these seizures, which were deemed illegal under international law.

Israel announces expulsion of 4 Italian activists from Gaza flotilla

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that four Italian activists involved in the Gaza flotilla had been expelled.

"Procedures are underway to end this provocation [by the flotilla] and finalize the expulsion of the participants in this charade," the ministry stated on X, following Israel's interception of the last ship in the maritime convoy, which had planned to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

"Four Italian citizens have already been expelled. The others are in the process of being expelled," the ministry stated, adding that Israel "is committed to concluding this process as quickly as possible."

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises to 22

At least 22 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Friday, according to medical sources quoted by Al Jazeera.

Among the victims, six people, including three children, were killed in a strike on the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza City, which also wounded several others, according to a local ambulance service source.

Further south, in the Nusseirat refugee camp, another Israeli airstrike killed at least two more people.

UN calls idea of ​​safe zone in southern Gaza a 'farce'

The United Nations stated that there is no safe haven for Palestinians forced to leave Gaza City, describing the areas designated as safe zones by Israel in the south as "death zones."

"The idea of ​​a safe zone in the south is a farce," said James Elder, a UNICEF spokesperson, speaking to journalists in Geneva from Gaza.

He added that in southern Gaza, "bombs are being dropped with chilling predictability, schools designated as temporary shelters are regularly reduced to rubble, and tents ... are routinely targeted by airstrikes."

Last ship in Gaza flotilla bound for besieged enclave seized by Israeli commandos

The only remaining ship in the international flotilla bound for the besieged Gaza Strip was intercepted on Friday by the Israeli navy, Al Jazeera reported.

A video broadcast live on social media showed Israeli forces boarding the vessel off the coast of the Palestinian territory on Friday morning.

The Marinette, flying the Polish flag and carrying six crew members, was the last operational ship in the Global Sumud international flotilla, which originally comprised 44 vessels, all of which were seized by the Israeli military.

Gaza flotilla: More than 20 journalists arrested, says RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the arrest of "more than 20 international journalists" by Israeli forces during the interception, between Wednesday and Thursday, of an international aid flotilla bound for Gaza, and demanded their "immediate release."

"Arresting journalists and preventing them from doing their work constitutes serious infringements of the right to information and freedom of expression. RSF condemns the illegal arrest of these media professionals who were on board these ships to cover a humanitarian operation of unprecedented scale," said Martin Roux, head of RSF's crisis unit, in a statement issued last night.

According to the French NGO that defends press freedom, some twenty journalists were on board, including journalists from Spanish media outlets (Telesur and El País), Qatar (Al Jazeera), Italy (the public broadcaster RAI), Turkey (the public broadcaster TRT), and France (Émilien Urbach of the newspaper L'Humanité). "The various media outlets remain without news of their journalists," RSF stated.

Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza 'is not ours,' says Pakistani foreign minister

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Friday that the 20-point plan presented this week by U.S. President Donald Trump, as part of his initiative to end the war in the Gaza Strip, does not align with the draft that had previously been submitted to him.

The Pakistani foreign minister clarified that "changes have been made to this plan," in a statement to Pakistani parliamentarians, Reuters reported.

Trump had expressed his satisfaction that a group of Arab and Muslim countries, including the Gulf States, Pakistan and Indonesia, had supported this plan earlier this week.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly stated his support for the plan on Tuesday during a joint press conference with Trump, he also declared in a Hebrew video posted on his X account the same day that "there will be no Palestinian state" and that the Israeli army will remain deployed "in most of the Gaza Strip," contrary to the provisions of the same plan.

Gaza: At least 4 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Khan Younis

Palestinians in Gaza endured another night of deadly Israeli bombardment.

Among the casualties were three people killed in a targeted airstrike on a vehicle east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the enclave, Al Jazeera reported.

In addition, a drone strike in al-Mawassi, an area Israel has designated as a "safe humanitarian zone" near Khan Younis, killed a young girl and wounded others, the Wafa news agency added.

According to the same source, further Israeli airstrikes, as well as remotely detonated explosions by Israeli ground troops, targeted homes in the Nasser and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City, which has been under siege since the start of the ground assault on the enclave's largest urban area.

No casualty figures are yet available for those attacks.

Hamas still needs time to study Trump's plan for Gaza, according to an official from the movement, who was quoted by AFP.

Israeli army claims to have struck site used by Hezbollah to 'operate its weapons, defense systems'

The Israeli army claimed to have carried out a dawn attack on a site used by Hezbollah in Jabal al-Sheikh to "operate its weapons and defense systems."

"The Israeli army launched an attack against a site used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to operate its weapons and defense systems in the Jabal al-Sheikh area of ​​southern Lebanon, where terrorist activity had been observed," army spokesperson Avichay Adraee wrote on X. "The raids targeted weapons, military buildings and underground infrastructure," he added.

Also in southern Lebanon, an Israeli drone dropped a sonic bomb this morning near a fisherman on the beach in Naqoura, and over the village of Dhaira (Sour district).

Situation update in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out more than five airstrikes for nearly five hours over the hills of Ali Taher, located opposite Nabatieh Fawqa, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

At least 10 missiles were fired, causing a large explosion and a forest fire. Windows in numerous houses and businesses were shattered, and the road to Kfar Tibnit, as well as the Khardali bridge, was blocked.

Israeli drones also flew at low altitude over the villages of Nabatieh and Zahrani, as well as the city of Saida.

Last ship bound for Gaza still at sea after dozens of interceptions by Israeli navy

The last ship in the international aid flotilla bound for Gaza continued its journey early this morning, according to organizers, after approximately 40 vessels were illegally intercepted by Israel, which is preparing to expel the pro-Palestinian activists on board.

"The Marinette is still sailing," the flotilla stated on social media late Thursday evening, adding that it expects another interception soon. "It knows what awaits it," the organization said.

The ship was located approximately 150 km off the coast of Gaza, according to the geolocation data shared on the flotilla's website. "If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and to breach the blockade will also be prevented," the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday.

Good morning! We are now launching our live coverage of the situation in the Middle East, as we await Hamas' response to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed "peace plan" for a cease-fire in Gaza, which was presented on Monday evening.

We will follow developments in the region, including in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as well as in Lebanon, which continues to be targeted by Israel almost daily despite the cease-fire, and in Syria, Iran and the Red Sea.