Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages Under Trump's Proposed Plan

Hamas has responded to President Donald Trump's Gaza plan just days before his Sunday evening deadline, agreeing to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The group says it's ready to enter immediate negotiations through mediators, but wants broader Palestinian involvement in discussing Gaza's future.

In a statement yesterday, Hamas said it appreciates Trump's efforts to stop the war, facilitate prisoner exchanges, allow immediate humanitarian aid, reject Gaza's occupation, and prevent Palestinian displacement. The movement agreed to release all Israeli hostages "alive and dead" according to Trump's proposed exchange formula, provided the right conditions are created for the swap.

The response comes after Trump gave Hamas until 6 PM Washington time on Sunday to accept his plan, calling it their "last chance." He warned on his Truth Social platform that if no deal is reached, "hell will break loose against Hamas like no one has ever seen before."

Trump's 20-point plan includes an immediate ceasefire, complete hostage exchange, phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and formation of an international-led transitional government. Hamas previously rejected demands to lay down weapons, but now appears willing to negotiate on prisoner swaps and Israeli withdrawal.

Hamas also renewed its agreement to hand Gaza's administration to an independent Palestinian body based on national consensus and Arab-Islamic support. But the group wants any broader issues about Gaza's future and Palestinian rights discussed through a comprehensive Palestinian framework that includes Hamas.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt said there's an opportunity for peace and prosperity if Hamas accepts the plan, but warned of "very tragic" consequences if they refuse. She described Trump's ceasefire plan as "very good and acceptable" and emphasized this represents Hamas's final opportunity.

The exchange marks a potential breakthrough after months of stalled negotiations. Trump initially gave Hamas three to four days on Tuesday to accept his proposal. His plan would effectively end Hamas's military control of Gaza while addressing the hostage crisis that has complicated ceasefire efforts since the conflict began.

For regional stability, this could signal the first major diplomatic progress in Gaza since fighting intensified. But Hamas's insistence on involving other Palestinian factions in future governance discussions suggests implementation challenges remain, even if both sides meet Sunday's deadline.