Trump Praises Israel’s Ceasefire Pause, Urges Hamas to Act Swiftly on Hostage Release
Washington, 4 October 2025 — U.S. President Donald J. Trump has commended Israel for temporarily halting its bombing campaign in Gaza, calling the move a necessary step to facilitate the release of hostages and advance his proposed Middle East peace deal.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay…”
Hostage Release and Peace Plan
The ceasefire pause follows Hamas’s announcement that it is prepared to release all remaining Israeli hostages — both living and deceased — under the terms of Trump’s 20-point peace proposal. The plan includes:
- An immediate ceasefire
- A hostage-prisoner exchange
- A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- The establishment of a Palestinian technocratic authority to govern the enclave
While Hamas has agreed to key elements, it has not committed to disarmament or political withdrawal, both central demands of the U.S. and Israel.
Diplomatic Momentum
Trump’s statement signals growing diplomatic momentum, with Egypt and Qatar coordinating mediation efforts. Israeli officials have confirmed readiness to implement the plan’s first phase, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse the full framework.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel has urged swift negotiations, warning that delays could jeopardize lives.
Strategic Warning
Trump’s warning to Hamas — that “all bets will be off” — echoes his earlier ultimatum that failure to accept the deal by Sunday would trigger an unprecedented military response.
As negotiations intensify, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the ceasefire evolves into a lasting peace or collapses under unresolved political and security demands.
President-Trump-Picture-on-Flickr-by-Gage-Skidmore
