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Saturday, October 4, 2025
Netanyahu reportedly surprised by Trump’s statement, considers Hamas response to US plan a refusal
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised by US President Donald Trump’s statement saying he believes Hamas is “ready for a lasting peace” and calling on Israel to immediately halt strikes in Gaza, an Israeli official tells Channel 12 news.
The report says Netanyahu held a deliberation on the Hamas response to Trump’s plan for ending the war and freeing the hostages before the US president issued his statement on Truth Social, with the premier saying he viewed the terror group’s reply as a rejection of the American proposal.
Netanyahu also stressed the need to coordinate with the US on a response so it would not seem Hamas responded affirmatively, according to the network, which adds that non-elected officials believe the statement from the terrorist organization could help pave the way to a deal.
The Times of Israel Community.