Hamas still needs time to study Trump's Gaza plan, says official

Political bureau member says group is in contact with mediators and 'serious about reaching understandings'

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A Hamas official said on Oct 3 that the group still needed time to study a plan for Gaza put forward by US President Donald Trump to end nearly two years of devastating war in Gaza.

The proposal, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas' disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

That would be followed by a postwar transitional authority headed by Mr Trump himself.

"Hamas is still continuing consultations regarding Trump's plan... and has informed mediators that the consultations are ongoing and need some time," the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.

Mr Trump on Sept 30 gave Hamas an ultimatum of "three or four days" to accept his plan to end the nearly two-year war in the Palestinian territory.

World powers, including Arab and Muslim nations, have welcomed the proposal.

Mr Mohammad Nazzal, a member of Hamas' political bureau, said in a statement on Oct 3 that the "plan has points of concern, and we will announce our position on it soon". "We are in contact with mediators and with Arab and Islamic parties, and we are serious about reaching understandings," he added.

On the ground on Oct 3, the Palestinian territory's civil defence agency a rescue force operating under Hamas authority — reported heavy air bombardment and artillery shelling on Gaza City.

It said Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people across the territory, including eight in Gaza City.