US President Donald Trump's call to stop the attacks in Gaza was welcomed by Hamas. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described Trump's remarks as a sign of commitment to the ceasefire process.
Qassem called on the US administration to pressure the Israeli government to launch the second phase of the agreement reached under the Gaza plan.
Trump's message on Gaza
Trump said Hamas had agreed to lay down its weapons if it fulfilled its obligations under the plan. Saying that Israel should not attack Gaza, Trump stated that the US had a separate channel of communication with Hamas and that the group would eventually lay down its weapons.
Gaza plan foresees disarmament and withdrawal
The US administration continues its efforts to implement Trump's Gaza plan. The plan foresees the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas issued its statement as allegations of ceasefire violations in Gaza continued. Hamas claimed that airstrikes, artillery fire and the use of weapons had caused the deaths of Palestinians.