Hamas Agrees to Enter Hostage Negotiations Under Trump’s Gaza Proposal

Hamas announced Friday that it has agreed to “immediately” enter negotiations for the release of all hostages under President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan — a move that could mark the first major breakthrough after months of failed ceasefire efforts.

The militant group said it is prepared to negotiate through mediators on the details of the exchange and expressed readiness to transfer governance of Gaza to “a Palestinian authority of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic partners.”

Trump, who had set a Sunday evening deadline for Hamas to respond, welcomed the announcement on Truth Social, declaring that Hamas appeared “ready for a lasting PEACE.” He also urged Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza to allow for the safe release of hostages.

The plan calls for the release of the remaining 48 hostages within 72 hours, the transfer of power in Gaza to an interim authority, and an eventual Israeli withdrawal overseen by an International Stabilization Force led by Arab partners. In exchange, Israel would release thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.

Still, Hamas’ response avoided addressing several key conditions, including disarmament, the dismantling of its military infrastructure, and the exclusion of Hamas from any future role in Gaza’s governance — all central demands of the Trump proposal. The group instead insisted that it would participate in a “comprehensive national Palestinian framework.”

Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are now working to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas, though a finalized ceasefire deal remains uncertain.

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