In a major development, Hamas on Friday agreed to release all Israeli hostages as part of a U.S.-brokered plan by President Donald Trump aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long Gaza war.
However, key issues including Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s withdrawal remain unresolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel is preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, beginning with the hostages’ release.
Trump’s Announcement
Trump, who has positioned himself as the architect of Middle East peace, hailed Hamas’ response as a “decisive step” and urged Israel to stop its bombing campaign in Gaza.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that broader talks would follow to establish “long-sought peace in the Middle East.”
The U.S. president had earlier given Hamas until Sunday to accept the proposal or face “grave consequences.”
Key Provisions of Trump’s Plan
According to details, Trump’s Gaza plan includes:
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Immediate ceasefire
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Exchange of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails
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Phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
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Disarmament of Hamas and transfer of Gaza administration to a transitional body backed by international partners
While Hamas accepted the prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid provisions, it stopped short of agreeing to full disarmament or staged withdrawal.
Ongoing Conflict Despite Agreement
Despite Trump’s call, residents reported continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza City and Khan Younis after Hamas issued its statement. Witnesses said airstrikes targeted residential areas in the Remal neighbourhood of Gaza City.
Israel’s political opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to move forward with the plan, while families of hostages demanded immediate negotiations for their return.
Global Reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron called Hamas’ commitment “a step forward” and urged negotiations to begin without delay. Qatar and Egypt have also initiated coordination with Washington to facilitate talks.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, has since claimed over 66,000 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
A UN commission and human rights groups have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge rejected by Netanyahu’s government, which maintains it is acting in self-defense.
Next Steps
While Hamas has expressed willingness to hand Gaza’s administration to a technocratic Palestinian body, it insists on being part of any national dialogue regarding the enclave’s future. Trump, meanwhile, has warned of “all HELL” breaking out if Hamas reneges on the plan.
The coming days will determine whether this marks the beginning of a ceasefire or yet another stalled peace effort in the region.
