Hamas has indicated a preliminary agreement to release Israeli hostages as part of a peace initiative mediated by the United States, while insisting on further dialogue regarding critical political matters related to Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights.
In a statement released on Friday, Hamas confirmed its willingness to “free all Israeli captives, both living and deceased, in line with the prisoner exchange framework outlined in President Trump‘s proposal,” contingent upon favorable “field conditions” for the swap.
This development followed a stern ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who set a deadline of 18:00 Washington time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday for Hamas to accept the plan, warning of severe consequences otherwise.
Trump posted on Truth Social, cautioning, “If this FINAL OPPORTUNITY agreement is not accepted, unprecedented devastation will be unleashed on Hamas. PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST WILL BE ACHIEVED, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.”
The peace plan, introduced at the White House on Monday by Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposed an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of 20 Israeli hostages believed to be alive within 72 hours, and the return of remains of others presumed dead, in exchange for the liberation of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli detention.
Hamas also reiterated its commitment to transfer Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian technocratic body supported by national consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic nations. However, the group emphasized that discussions continue regarding other aspects of Gaza’s governance and Palestinian rights within a broader national framework.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s firm stance, stating, “The world must clearly hear the US president’s message. Hamas has a chance to embrace this plan and pursue peace and prosperity in the region. Failure to do so will lead to tragic consequences.”
The 20-point proposal envisions Gaza being temporarily managed by a Palestinian technocratic committee under the oversight of an international transitional authority called the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump. The plan excludes any future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and leaves open the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state in the future.
Despite standing alongside Trump during the announcement, Netanyahu later reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, stating in a video message, “The agreement does not include a Palestinian state. We have made it clear that we strongly oppose such an outcome.”
Global responses have been varied. The Palestinian Authority praised Trump’s “genuine and resolute” efforts, whereas Pakistan, initially supportive, later criticized the plan for diverging from proposals put forth by Muslim-majority nations.
This diplomatic initiative unfolds amid intense Israeli military operations in Gaza City, where Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israeli forces are “intensifying the siege.” The offensive aims to rescue the remaining hostages, estimated at 48, with only 20 believed to be alive.
The humanitarian crisis deepens. Gaza’s Hamas-controlled health ministry reported at least 66,288 fatalities since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. In the last 24 hours alone, 63 additional deaths were recorded.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of residents in Gaza City have evacuated to the southern al-Mawasi region, designated by Israel as a “humanitarian corridor.” However, many remain trapped within the city.
James Elder, UNICEF’s spokesperson, dismissed the notion of a safe zone as “absurd,” stating, “Airstrikes occur with alarming regularity. Schools, intended as temporary shelters, are frequently destroyed.”
President Trump has asserted that if Hamas rejects the deal, the United States will fully support Israel in “eliminating the Hamas threat.” Netanyahu echoed this resolve, pledging that Israel “will complete the mission” should Hamas refuse or fail to comply with the agreement.