Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages Following Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal
Hamas has announced its agreement to release hostages as per Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative. The group stated on Telegram its intention to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian body based on national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic entities. This decision came after Trump set a deadline for Hamas to accept his proposed agreement by Sunday at 6 p.m.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement with Hamas, warning of severe consequences if the “last chance” deal was not accepted by the deadline. Trump’s plan involves Hamas relinquishing power, releasing all remaining hostages, and engaging in further discussions on certain aspects of the proposal.
While Hamas has agreed to some elements of the plan, such as releasing hostages based on a specific formula, it highlighted the need for consultations among Palestinians regarding other provisions. The group reiterated its readiness to hand over power to an independent Palestinian body but insisted on reaching a unanimous Palestinian stance on critical issues related to the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights, in accordance with international law.
Notably, Hamas did not address the demand for disarmament, a crucial component of Trump’s proposal that Israel supports. Although the plan has garnered international approval, mediators like Egypt and Qatar have indicated the necessity for additional negotiations on certain aspects.
Under Trump’s plan, which was unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas would release the remaining hostages, relinquish power, and disarm. In exchange, Israel would cease its offensive actions, withdraw from significant territory, release Palestinian prisoners, facilitate humanitarian aid, and postpone plans for relocating Gaza’s population.
The proposal entails placing the Gaza territory under international governance, overseen by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, it does not outline a path for the future reunification of Gaza with the Israeli-occupied West Bank within a Palestinian state.
While some Hamas officials have voiced concerns about specific elements of the plan, Palestinians, in general, are eager for an end to the conflict but remain wary of proposals perceived as biased towards Israel.
In a recent report commissioned by the UN, it was concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, with the country being held responsible for committing acts that align with the criteria of the Genocide Convention. The findings highlighted grave violations against Palestinians, including killings, infliction of harm, deliberate destruction, and prevention of births, as noted by senior independent rights investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council.
Commission chair Navi Pillay stated, “The Commission’s investigation points to Israel’s culpability for genocide in Gaza, demonstrating an intent to eradicate the Palestinian population through actions that satisfy the Genocide Convention criteria.”
