Hamas has agreed to a framework that would see hostages released under a U.S.-backed arrangement, prompting former U.S. President Donald Trump to call on Israel to immediately suspend its military strikes on Gaza.
The militant group confirmed it would accept parts of Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, including the release of hostages—both those alive and the bodies of those who have died. Hamas also expressed openness to transferring Gaza’s administration to a neutral Palestinian-led authority supported by Arab and Islamic nations.
However, the group pushed back on demands to disarm and relinquish political authority, saying such issues must be addressed through wider Palestinian consensus. Leaders further stressed that returning all hostages and remains within 72 hours, as outlined in the plan, would be difficult given the current conditions.
Trump insisted Israel halt its bombing campaign to ensure the hostage releases proceed safely, warning that continued airstrikes could jeopardize the deal.
Israeli officials said they were prepared to begin the first stage of the plan but did not confirm whether military operations would fully pause. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing domestic pressure, balancing calls from hostage families for urgent action with demands from hardliners to keep up military pressure.
Regional brokers, including Egypt and Qatar, are attempting to bridge the gaps between both sides. While the agreement could mark the most serious opening for peace since fighting reignited almost two years ago, major questions remain over Hamas’s future role in Gaza and the broader disarmament issue.
