Hamas has agreed to release hostages as part of President Donald Trump’s peace proposals for Gaza. In a statement on Telegram, Hamas announced its intention to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body comprising independent individuals, supported by Arab and Islamic entities. This decision follows Trump’s ultimatum, giving Hamas until Sunday at 6 pm to accept his final offer.
President Trump emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement with Hamas through a post on Truth Social, warning of severe consequences if the “last chance” deal was not accepted by the specified deadline. Hamas acknowledged certain aspects of Trump’s plan, such as relinquishing power and freeing all remaining hostages, but indicated the need for further discussions among Palestinians regarding other elements.
While Hamas expressed willingness to release hostages based on the plan’s framework, it reiterated its readiness to cede authority to an impartial Palestinian entity. The group insisted that decisions regarding the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights should align with a unanimous Palestinian position, in coordination with international legal standards.
Notably absent from Hamas’s statement was any mention of disarmament, a crucial demand from Israel included in Trump’s proposal. Although Israel and the international community have endorsed the plan, mediators like Egypt and Qatar have suggested the need for additional negotiations on certain aspects without providing specifics.
Trump’s plan, unveiled in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines steps for Hamas to release the remaining hostages, renounce power, and disarm. In exchange, Israel would cease its offensive, withdraw from significant territories, release Palestinian detainees, facilitate humanitarian aid, and forego plans for relocating Gaza’s population.
The proposal envisions placing the Gaza Strip, home to two million Palestinians, under international oversight, with Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing governance. However, the plan does not outline a pathway for Gaza’s reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank within a future Palestinian state.
A Hamas official has voiced concerns over certain aspects of the plan, deeming them unacceptable and in need of adjustments. While Palestinians desire an end to the conflict, many perceive US proposals as favoring Israel. Last month, a UN inquiry concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, citing violations of international law and deliberate harm inflicted on Palestinians. The inquiry, led by independent rights investigators, identified multiple acts meeting the criteria of genocide as defined by the Genocide Convention.
Chair of the commission, Navi Pillay, affirmed Israel’s responsibility for genocidal acts in Gaza, citing an intent to destroy Palestinians through systematic actions. The findings underscore the gravity of the situation and highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.