Hamas agrees to release Gaza hostages under Trump ceasefire proposal” />
On Friday, Hamas declared its willingness to free hostages held in Gaza as part of a peace initiative introduced by former President Donald Trump. However, the group emphasized the need for negotiations regarding the specifics and insisted on having a role in determining the future governance of the Palestinian territory.
In an official statement, Hamas expressed its consent to release all captives-both living individuals and remains-based on the prisoner exchange framework outlined in Trump’s proposal. The group also indicated readiness to engage in discussions to clarify the finer points of the agreement.
Trump’s peace plan, unveiled earlier this week and supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a ceasefire, the liberation of hostages within 72 hours, the disarmament of Hamas, and a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas agreed to transfer administrative control of Gaza to a council of Palestinian experts but stressed that decisions concerning the territory’s long-term status must be made within a broader Palestinian consensus, in which Hamas pledges to participate responsibly.
Notably, the statement did not address Hamas’s stance on disarmament-a critical element of the US plan that the group has historically opposed.
Following the announcement, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told AFP that while the group welcomes Trump’s initiative, it requires “clear terms, criteria, and transparency” before moving forward. He described the American proposal as “unclear, ambiguous, and lacking in detail.”
Mardawi added, “We have stated our position clearly and are now awaiting further elaboration and confirmation of the terms through negotiations.”
The US plan, released on Monday and endorsed by several global powers including Arab and Muslim nations, proposes a transitional authority for Gaza post-conflict, which would be overseen by Trump himself.
Earlier on Friday, President Trump set a deadline for Hamas to respond by Sunday night, warning that failure to accept the terms would result in severe consequences.