Trump tells Hamas to accept truce plan; UAE aid ship docks

Palestinian group Hamas said on Wednesday it was discussing proposals for a Gaza ceasefire received from mediators, after US President Donald Trump said Israel backed a 60-day ceasefire in the war-ravaged territory.

- 

Trump on Tuesday urged Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire, saying Israel had agreed to finalise such a deal.

Hamas said in a statement Wednesday it was “conducting national consultations to discuss” the proposals sent by mediators.

It said it aimed “to reach an agreement that guarantees ending the aggression, achieving the withdrawal (of Israeli forces from Gaza) and urgently aiding our people in the Gaza Strip.”

Trump is due to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next week.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he saw “some positive signs” in the process.

“We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire,” he said.

“Our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible.”

He said earlier on X that any chance for a deal that would lead to hostages being freed in Gaza “must not be missed.”

Out of 251 hostages seized by Palestinians in October 2023, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

A UAE humanitarian aid ship carrying a range of relief materials has arrived to support the people of Gaza, ahead of transferring its cargo into the Strip, as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 launched by the UAE to provide urgent humanitarian relief to Gaza residents.