On Friday, Hamas said it would agree to release all Israeli hostages — both living and deceased — under the terms of a U.S.-backed Gaza peace proposal.
The agreement is tied to a 20-point peace plan advanced by President Trump, which calls for the full exchange of hostages. Hamas’ acceptance, however, is conditional. The officially designated Foreign Terrorist Organization stressed that field conditions must be met and listed prerequisites such as a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and guarantees for Palestinians.
The New York Times continues:
In a statement posted online on Friday night, the armed group said it would release the hostages “according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, and as the field conditions for the exchange are met.”
“In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss these details,” the group added.
The statement also said the group agreed “to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support.”
But it was not clear from that language if Hamas had agreed to a stipulation in the proposal that called for the group to be barred from exercising political power in Gaza in the future, or if it saw a place for itself or its members among that body of technocrats.
The White House did not provide a response when asked for comment, suggesting officials are still reviewing the statement.
Israel has also signaled acceptance of Trump’s plan, but with conditions of its own. The president has set a deadline of Sunday at 6 p.m. Washington time for Hamas to accept or face severe repercussions.
For now, the announcement represents political acceptance rather than a binding commitment. Implementation will depend on verification, trust, and mutual compliance.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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The time is now, no more conditions from a band of terrorist!
After all the effort to purge Hamas from the area, the incredible destruction of property, and suffering of the people, coming up on 2 years now, this is no time for Israel to stop their intended goal to “eliminate” Hamas. I think it’s and insult for Hamas to say they will release hostages, perhaps half of them as corpses. And then they have the audacity to dictate their conditions! From the River to the Sea…is good enough for thee.
Re “Arab and Islamic support” for Hamas and Palestinians: should outside nations or groups be allowed to interfere with negotiations between Israel and Hamas? Should Hamas be considered the “leaders” – the spokesmen – of the Palestinian Peoples? The “Arab and Islamic support” sounds like Hamas wants Iran and other Islamic states to have a voice, to be considered in the negotiations.