President Donald Trump. UPI Yonhap News. 

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to halt its bombing of Gaza on the 3rd (local time) after the Palestinian armed group Hamas selectively agreed to his 'Gaza peace initiative,' including a promise to release all hostages.

Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, on the same day, "Based on the statement Hamas just issued, I believe they are ready for a lasting peace."

He added, "Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so that the hostages can be extracted safely and quickly."

President Trump also stated, "We are already discussing the details," and "This is about the peace that has long been desired, not just in Gaza, but throughout the Middle East."

Trump's remarks are interpreted as a positive initial assessment of Hamas's response to his peace initiative.

Earlier, Hamas announced it would accept parts of President Trump's plan, including the release of all remaining hostages and the relinquishment of power in Gaza.

However, regarding other aspects of President Trump's plan, Hamas stated that a "unified national stance is necessary and discussions should be based on relevant international law and resolutions," indicating a need for further negotiations.

Additionally, a Hamas official stated that they would not disarm before the end of Israel's occupation of Gaza.

Hamas's stance came just hours after President Trump set a deadline for Hamas to reach an agreement on his Gaza peace initiative: 6 p.m. on the 5th Eastern Time (7 a.m. on the 6th Korean Time).

President Trump announced this on Truth Social, warning, "If this last chance for an agreement is missed, hell the likes of which no one has ever seen will unfold before Hamas."

Yonhap News