A hardline ally of Hamas that also holds Israeli hostages is supporting Hamas's response to a US plan to end the war in Gaza - a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israeli captives still held by both groups.

"Hamas's (reaction) to Trump's plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision," the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as more hardline, said in a statement.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted certain key parts of US President Donald Trump's plan, including ending the war, Israel's withdrawal and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.

Hamas's stance might raise t

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