In a dramatic turn amid escalating tensions, Hamas announced Friday it will release all remaining Israeli hostages—both living and dead—under the terms of President Donald Trump's sweeping Gaza peace proposal. The move comes just hours after Trump issued a stern ultimatum, warning the group to accept the deal by Sunday evening or face severe consequences. Hamas officials confirmed their readiness to enter immediate negotiations, signaling a potential breakthrough after nearly two years of brutal conflict in the region.
Trump's 20-point plan, unveiled earlier this week, calls for an immediate end to hostilities in exchange for the hostages' release and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It also envisions a redeveloped Gaza free from Hamas governance, with the group required to disarm—a condition that's sparked fierce debate. Indeed, while mediators in Turkey and Qatar have ramped up pressure on Hamas to concede, internal objections from the group's military leaders in Gaza highlight the fragility of this agreement. Hamas, however, insists on revisions, particularly around Palestinian prisoner exchanges and ensuring "proper field conditions" before any releases proceed.
President Trump, speaking from the White House, expressed optimism, stating he believes Hamas is "ready for a lasting peace." He urged Israel to halt its bombing campaigns immediately, a directive that caught some by surprise given the plan's emphasis on neutralizing threats from the militants. Moreover, European and Middle Eastern leaders have cautiously welcomed the proposal, though critics point out its gaps in addressing long-term Palestinian sovereignty. Under the deal, all hostages must be freed within 48 hours of final agreement, alongside hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
However, the path forward remains uncertain. Hamas's positive response, while a step toward de-escalation, comes laced with demands that could prolong talks. Trump has backed Israel's right to "finish the job" if the group balks, underscoring the high stakes. As negotiators huddle in Cairo and Doha, one can't help but wonder if this latest push will finally silence the guns in Gaza or merely delay the next flare-up.