The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas that also holds Israeli hostages, announced on Saturday that it supports Hamas’s response to the U.S. peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza — a development that could open the door to the release of captives still held by the two groups.

“The reaction of Hamas to the Trump plan represents the stance of Palestinian resistance organizations, and the Islamic Jihad took part in the consultations that led to this decision,” the group said in a statement. The PIJ, which is backed by Iran, is considered even more hardline than Hamas.

Hamas, which governs Gaza, agreed on Friday to several key points of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal, including ending the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The group’s stance — together with Islamic Jihad’s endorsement — has lifted morale among Gaza residents, who have repeatedly seen ceasefire efforts collapse while Israeli airstrikes devastated the enclave, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis and displacing millions. “It’s good news; it saves those who are still alive, it saves the people, and thank God they agreed. Enough is enough. We’re tired — I swear, we’re tired,” said Saoud Karneita, a 32-year-old Palestinian, speaking to Reuters.

Others, however, remained cautious, fearing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might block the deal. “The important thing is that Netanyahu doesn’t sabotage this plan. Now that Hamas agreed, Netanyahu will disagree — as always,” said Jamal Shihada from Jerusalem.

Warnings and Bombardments

On Saturday, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson warned Gaza residenthams that the city remains a “dangerous war zone” and urged them on X (formerly Twitter) not to move north or approach areas of military operations.

According to Axios, the Israeli army is shifting to defensive operations in Gaza and abandoning plans to seize Gaza City.

Despite a call from Trump to halt attacks, Israeli airstrikes continued early Saturday, though at lower intensity. Local authorities reported six deaths — four in a home in Gaza City and two in Khan Younis in the south.

International Support

Netanyahu’s office said early Saturday that Israel is preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first phase of Trump’s plan for the release of Israeli hostages, following Hamas’s response.

Israeli media later reported that the country’s political leadership ordered the army to scale back offensive operations.

The Trump plan and Hamas’s reaction have gained international backing, with support coming from Australia, India, and Canada. Israel’s army chief instructed his forces to prepare for the execution of the first phase of the plan.

Negotiations are expected to take place in Egypt, possibly beginning as soon as Sunday.

“Enough — the War Must End”

For Palestinians in Gaza, exhausted after two years of conflict, Trump’s plan feels like a final hope. “We want Trump to keep pushing to end the war. If this chance is lost, Gaza City will be destroyed and we may not survive,” said Ismail Zayda, a 40-year-old father of three. “God willing, this will be the last war. Let’s finally put an end to wars,” said Ali Ahmad, 59, who lives in a refugee camp.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 66,000 people have been killed, most of them civilians. The destruction of the enclave, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and famine conditions have created a nightmarish reality.

The United Nations and human rights experts have concluded that Israel has committed genocide, a charge Netanyahu’s government denies, insisting it is acting in self-defense. “Every day of delay costs lives. It’s not just lost time — it’s lost lives,” emphasized Tamer al-Burai, a Palestinian businessman.