Gaza city: The Palestinian group Hamas announced early Thursday that it has agreed to the first phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan, appreciating his efforts along with those of Trkiye, Qatar, and Egypt. 'Hamas announces that an agreement has been reached providing for an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupiers, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange,' it said in a statement on Telegram.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement expressed gratitude towards the mediator countries and acknowledged President Trump's efforts to end the conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The statement also addressed the guarantor states of the ceasefire agreement, urging them to pressure Israel to adhere to its responsibilities.

The statement emphasized the commitment of the Palestinian group to their national rights, including freedom, independence, and self-determination. The group's remarks followed President Trump's announcement that both Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of the US-proposed Gaza deal.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, the majority of whom were women and children, leaving the region uninhabitable.