Hamas on Friday agreed to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased as part of its response to the 20-point Gaza peace plan proposed earlier this week by United States President Donald Trump. This came after Trump, earlier in the day, issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the militant group is “militarily trapped” and has been given a last chance to agree to a peace deal endorsed by regional and global powers.
In a statement released on Telegram, Hamas agreed to enter into talks to discuss the agreement details through the mediators. “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this agreement,” Hamas states as reported by Al Jazeera.
Additionally, the group has agreed to hand over the Gaza administration to an independent Palestinian technocrats’ body based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support. “Other issues mentioned in President Trump’s proposal regarding the future of the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are connected to a unified national position and relevant international laws and resolutions,” the statement stated.
“They will be addressed through a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will participate and contribute responsibly,” it added.
Trump hails Hamas’ statement
After Hamas issued a statement agreeing to the 20-point peace plan, Trump expressed confidence in Hamas’ willingness to ensure a “lasting” peace in Gaza. Following the development, he urged Israel to stop attacking Gaza in order to get the hostages back.
“Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Also Read: President Donald Trump Extends Deadline to Hamas: ‘Accept the Peace Plan or Face All Hell’
