Hamas Agrees to Hostage Release Under Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has stated its readiness to release all hostages held in Gaza, as outlined in a ceasefire proposal from former US President Donald Trump. In a recent statement, Hamas confirmed its approval for the release of both living hostages and remains, signaling a willingness to negotiate the finer details of the agreement.

Trump’s proposal includes a deadline of 10 PM GMT on Sunday, which translates to 11 AM NZT on Monday, for Hamas to accept the terms of his 20-point peace plan. He warned that failing to comply would result in severe consequences for the group. The deadline falls at 1 AM Monday local time in Gaza. Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if the agreement was not reached, “all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”

The proposal has garnered support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and outlines key objectives including a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, disarmament of Hamas, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Following that, a transitional authority would be established, with Trump taking a leading role.

Hamas officials have indicated that they are still in discussions regarding Trump’s plan. An anonymous source revealed that consultations are ongoing and the group requires more time to analyze the proposal.

“Hamas is still continuing consultations regarding Trump’s plan… and has informed mediators that the consultations are ongoing and need some time,”

the official stated.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing airstrikes and artillery bombardments reported. On Friday, Gaza’s civil defense agency, which operates under Hamas authority, reported that Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including eight in Gaza City. The Israeli military has not yet issued a comment regarding these reports.

As the conflict continues, the United Nations has reiterated that there is no safe haven in Gaza. UNICEF spokesman James Elder stated that areas designated as safe zones by Israel are effectively “places of death.” This sentiment was echoed by Amnesty International, which condemned the escalating humanitarian crisis and reported that hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians lack access to essential resources such as clean water, food, and medical care.

In light of Trump’s proposal, Hamas is reportedly divided on how to proceed. According to a Palestinian source close to the group, there are differing opinions regarding certain clauses, particularly those pertaining to disarmament. One faction advocates for unconditional acceptance of the plan, prioritizing a ceasefire, while another faction is advocating for conditional approval, seeking guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal and assurances against assassination attempts.

The internal divide within Hamas is complicated by the group’s leadership structure, which includes officials based in Gaza and others abroad, particularly in Qatar. The ongoing conflict has also resulted in significant losses among Hamas leadership due to Israeli military operations.

This conflict escalated dramatically following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, primarily civilians, according to official Israeli figures. In retaliation, Israeli military operations have led to the deaths of at least 66,288 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures from the Hamas-controlled territory. The UN recognizes these figures as reliable but does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties, although it notes that more than half of the deceased are women and children.

As negotiations continue and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Gaza. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for both regional stability and the lives of those affected by the ongoing conflict.