Islamic Jihad backs Hamas response to US Gaza plan

[ad_1] Islamic Jihad backs Hamas response to Trump Gaza plan Transfer might facilitate launch of hostages Israel strikes Gaza after Trump requires finish to bombardment CAIRO/GAZA, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas that additionally holds Israeli hostages, on Saturday endorsed Hamas’s response to a U.S. plan to finish the struggle in Gaza – a transfer that might assist pave the best way for the discharge of Israeli captives nonetheless held by each teams. "Hamas' (response) to Trump's plan represents the place of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly within the consultations that led to this choice," the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas however seen as extra hardline, mentioned in a press release.

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Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted sure key components of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, together with ending the struggle, Israel's withdrawal and the discharge of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.

Hamas' stance, and its backing by Islamic Jihad, could elevate the spirit of Gazans, who had watched one ceasefire effort after one other fail as Israeli strikes pulverized the strip over the previous two years, created a humanitarian disaster and displaced thousands and thousands.

“It’s glad information, it saves those that are nonetheless alive, it saves the folks, and thank God that they (Hamas) agreed. That is sufficient, good folks. We're drained, I swear to God, we're drained, drained," mentioned Palestinian Saoud Qarneyta, 32.

Different Palestinians have been cautious, expressing worry that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will in the end withdraw from any plan to finish the struggle.

"What's essential is that Netanyahu doesn't sabotage this, as a result of now that Hamas agreed, Netanyahu will disagree, as he often does," mentioned Jerusalem resident Jamal Shihada.

The Israeli army's Arabic spokesperson issued a warning on Saturday for residents of Gaza metropolis, saying it remained a "harmful" fight zone.

He urged residents in a publish on X to keep away from going north within the enclave or nearing any areas the place the army operates.

Information web site Axios earlier reported that the Israeli army will shift to defensive operations in Gaza and halt its plan to grab Gaza Metropolis.

Israeli airstrikes persevered early on Saturday however they have been much less intense, after U.S. President Trump had referred to as for a halt to the bombing saying Hamas was prepared for peace.

Israeli hearth killed six folks throughout Gaza Strip, native authorities mentioned. One strike killed 4 folks in a home in Gaza Metropolis whereas one other killed two others in Khan Younis within the south, medical staff and native authorities mentioned.

WORLDWIDE SUPPORT Netanyahu's workplace mentioned early on Saturday that Israel was making ready for an "speedy implementation" of the primary stage of Trump's Gaza plan for the discharge of Israeli hostages following Hamas' response.

Shortly after, Israeli media reported that the nation's political echelon had instructed the army to scale back offensive exercise in Gaza.

Trump's plan and Hamas' reaction gained assist world wide, from Australia to India to Canada. The Israeli army chief of workers instructed forces in a press release to advance readiness for the implementation of the primary section of Trump’s plan, with out mentioning whether or not there could be discount of army exercise in Gaza.

Hamas responded to Trump's 20-point plan after the U.S. president gave the group till Sunday to just accept or face grave penalties.

Trump, who has solid himself as the one particular person able to reaching peace in Gaza, has invested important political capital in efforts to finish a two-year-old struggle that has killed tens of 1000's and left U.S. ally Israel more and more remoted on the world stage.

Trump said on Friday he believed Hamas had proven it was "prepared for a long-lasting PEACE" and he put the onus on Netanyahu's authorities. "Israel should instantly cease the bombing of Gaza, in order that we will get the Hostages out safely and shortly!" Trump wrote on his Reality Social platform.

Earlier than Israel's newest bulletins, households of these being held by Hamas in Gaza referred to as on Netanyahu "to instantly order negotiations for the return of all hostages."

Domestically, the prime minister is caught between rising strain to finish the struggle — from hostage households and a war-weary public — and calls for from hardline members of his far-right coalition who insist there should be no let-up in Israel’s marketing campaign in Gaza.

Israel started its offensive in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel during which some 1,200 folks have been killed and 251 taken as hostages again to Gaza, in line with Israeli tallies. Israel says 48 hostages stay, 20 of whom are alive.

Israel's army marketing campaign has killed greater than 66,000 folks in Gaza, most of them civilians, in line with Gaza well being authorities. Its assault has destroyed a lot of the strip whereas support restrictions have triggered a famine in components of Gaza, with situations dire throughout the enclave.

Extra reporting by Mohammed Torokman; Writing by Michael Georgy; Modifying by Susan Fenton

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Purchase Licensing Rights A senior correspondent with almost 25 years’ expertise overlaying the Palestinian-Israeli battle together with a number of wars and the signing of the primary historic peace accord between the 2 sides.