WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that Israel immediately stop bombing Gaza, hours after Hamas said it had agreed in principle to release hostages.

Earlier in the day, Trump set a deadline for Hamas to accept his "20-point plan" to end the Gaza conflict by 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT) on Sunday and rebuild the enclave, warning that otherwise "all hell" would break out against the group.

Hamas later announced it had submitted its response to regional and international mediators, saying it agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages, both living and dead, under the exchange framework outlined in the plan. The group said it was ready to begin immediate negotiations through mediators on implementation details.

In a statement, Hamas also said it would transfer Gaza's administration to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats and backed by Arab and Islamic countries.

The group said it valued Arab, Islamic, international and U.S. efforts to end the conflict, allow humanitarian aid, prevent Palestinian displacement and reject any reoccupation of Gaza. Other issues raised in the U.S. proposal concerning Gaza's future and broader Palestinian rights would be addressed within a collective Palestinian framework, in line with relevant international laws and resolutions, it said.

The U.S.-proposed plan combines a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, phased Israeli withdrawal, and international oversight on Gaza's reconstruction and governance after the end of the conflict.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel would halt military actions and pull back to the agreed lines. Hamas, within 72 hours of Israel's public acceptance, must release all remaining hostages, living or deceased. In return, Israel pledges to free select prisoners and detainees, while disarmed Hamas members pledging peaceful coexistence could receive amnesty or a safe exit. ■