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Inhabitants of Gaza have expressed astonishment after US President Donald Trump appeared to welcome Hamas's response to his peace plan for the territory.

Dozens Palestinians flooded social media accounts and texting services with queries such as: "Is the conflict over?" and "Is this a dream or reality?"

The quick speed of changes through the evening has left many people finding it difficult to understand what happens next.

Thoughtful Reaction

The organization's carefully crafted statement - thought to have been drafted with the help of mediators - avoided outright rejection and instead offered a limited "affirmative".

The organization accepted Trump's requirements for the freeing of Israeli captives and the proposal of handing over the leadership of Gaza to Palestinian specialists - but omitted a specific reply to many other components of his detailed initiative.

It was, many Palestinians say, a deliberate answer that returned the responsibility in Israel's domain.

Differing Opinions

Soon after it was published, Trump posted on digital channels that he thought Hamas was willing to accept peace and urged Israel to halt the airstrikes of Gaza.

Responses among Palestinians in the area ranged from expectation to deep suspicion.

Certain people concern Hamas has walked into a trap, and that Israel will reclaim its captives only to restart the conflict. Alternative voices think a important moment has appeared to end two years of hostilities.

"I advise patience," a Gaza citizen commented.

"Don't get carried away by hope. There will be negotiation sessions over the particulars. The difficulty is always in the specifics," he said. "Consider Lebanon, where even now there are still displaced people and bombings."

Rare Openness

Another resident observed on Facebook that Hamas's response was unusual for its frankness.

"In this instance it was affirmative without the usual 'however' immediately after," he stated.

"Agreement to hostage freedom under Trump's formula, yes to stopping the war and pullout, yes to handing power to a Palestinian authority. The buts came only afterward. Hamas even catered to Trump's ego with compliments."

Questioning Perspectives

But not everybody is convinced.

Local advocate and experienced Hamas critic another commentator said the determination was about the group's existence.

"They will call this prudence - or prioritizing citizens. But the reality is, it's about Hamas staying in power. I even question Hamas drafted the announcement - it was too clever."

For currently, Palestinians remain unsure as they stay to see whether the written statements can really be enough to terminate the war.