Hamas has announced that it is prepared to release all remaining Israeli hostages as part of a partial acceptance of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
The group said some elements of the proposal require further negotiations, but it confirmed its willingness to discuss implementation immediately.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying Israel is preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of the plan, which centers on freeing the hostages, according to dw.com
President Trump urged Israel to halt its bombing of Gaza to allow the release to proceed safely, declaring that Hamas was “ready for a lasting peace.”
Reactions have been swift from world leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron both said the release of the hostages and a ceasefire are now “within reach.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’ response “a significant step forward.” Qatar and Egypt, key mediators, welcomed Hamas’ statement and pledged to continue efforts toward a permanent ceasefire.
In its announcement, Hamas also said it was prepared to hand over the administration of Gaza to an independent Palestinian body supported by Arab and Islamic states. However, Hamas officials stressed that negotiations are still needed on issues such as governance and disarmament.
Trump has given Hamas until Sunday to finalize its response. The group is still believed to be holding 48 hostages in Gaza, around 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
The coming days will determine whether this breakthrough leads to an end of the war and a broader peace agreement, or whether gaps in the plan stall progress once again.
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