Hamas announced on Friday that it is prepared to release hostages held in Gaza as part of a peace initiative proposed by former US President Donald Trump, but stressed the need for further negotiations to clarify key details.
In a statement, the group said it accepted the exchange formula outlined in Trump’s plan and confirmed readiness to hand over both surviving hostages and the remains of those who have died.
The announcement followed Trump’s unveiling of a ceasefire proposal earlier in the week, which has already received backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for a 72-hour timeline for hostage releases, an immediate ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas indicated its willingness to transfer authority in Gaza to a body of Palestinian technocrats, though it insisted that the territory’s long-term governance must be settled through a broader Palestinian process in which the group would play an active role.
Notably, the statement avoided any commitment to disarmament, one of the central demands of Trump’s proposal and an issue the group has consistently resisted.
Commenting further, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told AFP that while the movement welcomed Trump’s effort, the proposal as presented lacked “clear terms, criteria, and transparency.” He added that Hamas had already declared its position and was waiting to see how the details would be implemented and clarified through formal talks.
The United States outlined its Gaza transition plan on Monday, with provisions that have drawn international attention and the support of Arab and Muslim states. The framework envisions a post-war transitional authority for Gaza overseen by Trump himself.
Earlier on Friday, Trump gave Hamas until Sunday night to issue a definitive response, warning that failure to accept the plan would result in “all hell” being unleashed against the group.
The timeline sets up a critical weekend for Gaza’s future, as Hamas weighs the offer against longstanding demands and concerns over sovereignty and security. Vanguard News reported the development.
