'Stop bombing Gaza', says Trump after Hamas agrees in principal to peace deal

President Donald Trump yesterday called on Israel to cease the bombing campaign it has waged against Gaza to permit hostages to be released by Hamas after the militant group said it agreed in part to his 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza pending some negotiations of details.

- ANDREW FEINBERG IN WASHINGTON DC

Writing on Truth Social, the president said Hamas was "ready for a lasting PEACE" based on a statement released by the group earlier in the day in which it agreed to proceed with the hostage exchange portion of the peace plan, which he'd unveiled on Monday alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

"Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it's far too dangerous to do that," Mr Trump said.

He also said discussions "on details to be worked out" were already in progress before adding: "This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East."

The president's announcement followed a statement released by Hamas agreeing "to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal" so long as "the field conditions for the exchange are met".

It said the group "appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, [and] the immediate entry of aid”.