New Delhi: Hamas has stated it is willing to release all remaining Israeli hostages under the framework of the US peace plan for Gaza, while seeking further negotiations on key issues, the BBC reported. A Hamas spokesperson described US President Donald Trump’s remarks as “encouraging,” adding, “We are ready to begin negotiations immediately to achieve a prisoner exchange, end the war, and secure the withdrawal of the occupation.”
Hamas confirmed its agreement to “release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula outlined in President Trump’s proposal, provided field conditions for the exchange are met.” The group also said it would “hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents” formed through national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic nations.
On Gaza’s broader future, Hamas emphasized that Palestinian rights must be grounded in international law and addressed “within a national framework” in which the group would participate.
Qatar welcomed the Hamas statement, saying: “We affirm our support for the President’s call for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages and to achieve rapid results that would end the bloodshed of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.” Doha added that it has begun coordinating with Egypt and the US to resume ceasefire talks.
Responding on Truth Social, Trump said: “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. This is not about Gaza alone; this is about long-sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
The announcement follows Trump’s Sunday deadline for Hamas to accept the US proposals or face “all hell.” The 20-point plan—already accepted by Israel—calls for an immediate ceasefire, a staged prisoner exchange, and Hamas’s disarmament, while excluding the group from Gaza’s future governance.
