Palestinian militant group Hamas has announced its readiness to “immediately” enter negotiations to release all Israeli hostages, based on the Gaza peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump—a move seen as a potential breakthrough after months of failed ceasefire attempts.
Conditional Acceptance of Trump’s Plan
Hamas stressed that it does not accept the plan unconditionally. The group said it is willing to hold talks through mediators to discuss details of a hostage exchange, and expressed openness to hand over Gaza’s administration to “an independent Palestinian authority of technocrats, formed through national Palestinian consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic nations.”
Key Demands: Hostage Release and Power Transfer
Trump’s proposal requires Hamas to release the remaining 48 Israeli hostages within 72 hours and hand over Gaza’s administration—conditions long seen as “red lines.” Hamas’s preliminary acceptance of both demands has opened the door to a ceasefire proposal now gaining international support, though a final agreement remains uncertain.
Regional Mediation Efforts
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are now increasing pressure on Hamas to accept the plan in full.
Silence on Disarmament and Oversight Committee
Hamas notably avoided addressing Trump’s demand for disarmament and the destruction of its arsenal—conditions the group has consistently rejected. The group also made no comment on Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” an international body meant to oversee Gaza’s administration.
Emphasis on Palestinian National Framework
Instead, Hamas stated that broader issues concerning Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights should be settled later within a comprehensive national framework. The group insisted it would “participate and contribute with full responsibility” to that process—contradicting Trump’s plan, which bars Hamas from any role in Gaza’s governance.
Trump’s Deadline and Warning
Trump has given Hamas until Sunday, 6 p.m. U.S. time, to accept the plan or face what he described as “hell like never seen before.”
Israel Signals Support
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s agreement with the framework, which includes ending the war, releasing hostages, and rebuilding Gaza. Trump hailed the announcement as “one of the greatest days in civilization.”
Prisoner Exchange and Security Arrangements
The peace plan also calls for the release of 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and another 1,700 prisoners detained since the war began, in exchange for the 48 Israeli hostages—20 believed to still be alive. Hamas’s military infrastructure in Gaza would be dismantled under international monitoring, while an Arab-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) would temporarily handle security.
Interim Governance of Gaza
Under the plan, Gaza would be administered by a Palestinian committee under international supervision until a reformed Palestinian Authority is prepared to take over governance.
Divisions Within Hamas Leadership
Analysts note divisions within Hamas between its political bureau abroad and military commanders in Gaza. Still, they believe there remains room for negotiation, though the demand for disarmament continues to be the main stumbling block.
