In a significant development, Hamas has announced its willingness to release all Israeli hostages—whether alive or deceased—under the conditions laid out by former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Gaza region. The group expressed readiness to commence mediated talks to finalize the specifics of this agreement.
According to Reuters, Palestinian representatives have stated their preparedness to engage in discussions with international mediation to work out the operational details of the release. This comes in the wake of a plan presented by Washington to address the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The decision by the terrorist group Hamas emerges after a stern ultimatum from Trump. The former president warned that if Hamas did not agree to the peace plan proposed by Washington by Sunday at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, there would be unprecedented consequences. "A hell like never seen before," Trump cautioned.
Trump announced that all parties involved in the conflict have already accepted the agreement, leaving Hamas as the last holdout. "Every country involved has signed! If this LAST CHANCE DEAL is not reached, a HELL like no one has seen before will be unleashed against Hamas," the former president declared on his social media platform, Truth Social.
This 20-point plan was unveiled on Monday by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The proposal includes ending the war in Gaza, freeing all hostages—both living and deceased—and implementing a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the region under international oversight.
Israel has already accepted the proposal, as confirmed by Netanyahu during a joint appearance. The Prime Minister also urged Palestinian civilians to move to safer areas within Gaza. "To all innocent Palestinians: relocate to secure places. You will be well cared for by those ready to assist," he stated.
If successful, this agreement could bring an end to nearly two years of conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in more than 66,000 Palestinian casualties, including 17,000 children, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. The Israeli offensive began following the October 7, 2023 attack, which claimed 1,200 lives in Israel and saw over 250 individuals kidnapped by Hamas.
Key Details on Trump's Gaza Peace Plan
What are the main components of Trump's plan for Gaza?
The plan includes ending the war in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages, and a comprehensive reconstruction of the region under international supervision.
How has Israel responded to the proposed plan?
Israel has accepted the proposal, as confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint statement with Trump.
What are the potential consequences if Hamas rejects the plan?
Donald Trump warned that rejecting the plan would result in unprecedented consequences, described as "a hell like never seen before."