Hamas welcomed a comment made by U.S. President Donald Trump that Palestinians will not be expelled from the Gaza Strip. Trump's remarks and the Hamas response could reduce some of them tensions at a time a truce extension is being discussed between Hamas and Israel for the freeing of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the US retreat is an "encouraging step" and in the "right direction," hoping it would lead to a political process based on int