Hamas has submitted its response to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, with the group agreeing to hand over administration of the enclave to Palestinian technocrats and free all Israeli captives.

The Palestinian group’s response did not address the crucial issue of its disarmament, but it said it was willing to “immediately enter” peace negotiations through mediators.

In a video address following Hamas’s statement, President Trump said he believes Hamas is ready for a “lasting peace”, as he called on Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza”.

Israel, however, has continued its deadly bombardment of Gaza, killing at least seven Palestinians since dawn.

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 66,288 people and wounded 169,165 since October 2023. Thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks and about 200 were taken captive.