Hostages at the center of talks
Hamas announced Friday that it is prepared to release all remaining Israeli hostages — both living and dead — under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The group said exchanges would take place if “field conditions” are met, signaling progress on one of the plan’s central demands.
There are believed to be 48 hostages still in Gaza, only 20 of whom are thought to be alive. Trump’s proposal calls for their release within 72 hours, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Hamas signals willingness, but with caveats
While agreeing to an exchange and to hand over Gaza’s administration to a nonpartisan body of Palestinian technocrats, Hamas stopped short of endorsing all of Trump’s terms. The group said issues regarding Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights must be discussed within a wider national framework and in line with international law.
Crucially, Hamas did not address disarmament, a key requirement of the U.S. plan. Trump’s proposal demands Hamas permanently give up weapons under international supervision, something the group has long resisted.
Trump’s warning and Netanyahu’s stance
President Trump gave Hamas until Sunday evening to accept the plan, warning of “all hell” if it refuses. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said consequences of rejection would be “very grave.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. effort but reiterated his rejection of a Palestinian state, saying: “We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state.” He has also pledged Israel will “finish the job” if Hamas does not comply.
International reaction
The Palestinian Authority praised Trump’s “sincere and tireless efforts,” while Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement of support. European governments also cautiously welcomed the plan, even as humanitarian concerns mount.
The United Nations, however, warned of worsening conditions on the ground. UNICEF spokesman James Elder said Israel’s so-called “safe zones” in southern Gaza were “farcical,” as schools used as shelters continue to be bombed.
War’s toll
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Whether Hamas’s partial acceptance of Trump’s plan will be enough to pause the conflict now depends on U.S. and Israeli response — and on whether disarmament remains a non-negotiable sticking point.
