In a sudden turn that could reshape the Middle East conflict, Hamas has announced its agreement to release all remaining Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—under the terms of President Donald Trump's newly proposed Gaza peace initiative. The militant group, long entrenched in the Gaza Strip's turmoil, responded positively to the 20-point outline, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities in exchange for the hostages' freedom and a surge in humanitarian aid. This comes just days after Trump issued a stark ultimatum, warning of "all hell" if no deal materialized by Sunday evening.
Trump, speaking from the White House, wasted no time in directing Israel to halt its bombing campaigns immediately, emphasizing that the current airstrikes made any hostage extraction "far too dangerous." He described the moment as one of unity, claiming both sides were "very close" to achieving lasting peace. Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed preparations for the plan's first phase, including a gradual withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza alongside prisoner swaps that could see hundreds of Palestinians freed. However, the path forward remains fraught; Hamas has signaled it will negotiate further on key elements like its own disarmament, a demand that has derailed past efforts.
Moreover, reports from Gaza indicate that airstrikes persisted into Friday, claiming dozens of lives despite the U.S. president's directive—a stark reminder of the fragile trust between the parties. Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who helped craft the proposal with input from Arab nations, expressed cautious optimism and are set to host talks soon. Trump's intervention, blending pressure and diplomacy, marks a high-stakes gamble for the region, especially as it unfolds during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, with families of the hostages gathering in Tel Aviv under banners urging swift action.
Yet, as negotiations loom, the real test will be bridging the gaps that have prolonged this war for nearly two years. Will this Trump-brokered accord finally deliver on promises of peace, or merely echo the echoes of broken ceasefires past?