Hamas announced its readiness to begin discussions “without delay” on the release of hostages as part of the American plan for Gaza. The group’s message was relayed to Washington through intermediaries and was obtained by the media.
Hamas announced its readiness to begin negotiations on the Trump plan
The organization agreed to consider transferring power in the area to a provisional Palestinian Authority consisting of independent officials supported by Arab countries. The response also stated its willingness to discuss a hostage-for-prisoner exchange, although these were previously considered irreconcilable points.
What was omitted
The message made no mention of the disarmament of militants or the destruction of military infrastructure—conditions insisted on by the American plan. It also made no mention of the international “Peace Council,” to which the draft proposed temporarily transferring control of Gaza.
Trump’s Tough Deadline
Earlier, US President Donald Trump gave Hamas an ultimatum: agree to the deal by Sunday, 6:00 PM Washington time, or face “the harshest consequences.” Israel, for its part, confirmed its readiness to support the plan, which includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the beginning of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.
Mediators and Internal Disputes
Negotiations are ongoing with the participation of Qatar and Egypt. According to sources, the delay in responding is due to disagreements between Hamas’s political leadership outside Gaza and military commanders within the enclave.
The essence of the US plan
The document calls for Israel to release approximately 2,000 Palestinians, including those serving life sentences, in exchange for 48 hostages. Israel is to gradually withdraw its troops, and security will be provided by an international force with the participation of Arab states.
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had given Hamas until Sunday, 6:00 PM Washington time, to agree to his Gaza peace plan. Otherwise, he stressed, the group would face “a hell the likes of which the world has never seen.”
