Hamas signals readiness to free hostages
In a response that sought to recalibrate the Gaza crisis, Hamas said it was prepared to release all living hostages and return the bodies of those who died, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The group also indicated a willingness to engage in immediate discussions about the details of these releases. Crucially, however, Hamas did not address a central demand from Israel and its allies: disarmament.
What the deal would entail
Hamas stated that it would accept the governance of the Gaza Strip being handed to an independent, technocratic Palestinian authority, with other future questions to be addressed within a Palestinian framework in which Hamas would participate responsibly. The wording deliberately sidesteps broader questions about Hamas’s disarmament and the future presence of militants in other countries, two core elements of the US plan and Israel’s position.
Ambiguities and needed negotiations
A senior Hamas official described the American proposal as vague and ambiguous, saying that any agreement would require negotiations through the mediators to clarify points on the exchange and governance. He did not specify which clauses would be the focus of talks, underscoring a continued divergence over core terms.
International reaction and mediation
Global and regional actors welcomed the development with cautious optimism. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was encouraged by Hamas’s response. Qatar, one of the main mediators, called the Hamas reply an agreement in line with US proposals, while Egypt—also mediating on the talks—described the response as positive.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the path to a ceasefire and hostage release appeared within reach. U.S. former President Donald Trump offered a new plan, giving Hamas a deadline (Sunday 18:00 ET) to accept the proposal and arguing that, if accepted, it could lead to a ceasefire, rapid hostage releases, and a staged Israeli withdrawal. The plan also envisaged a transitional authority overseen by Trump and the deployment of a regional or international force.
Israel said it supported Trump’s general direction but remained opposed to Hamas playing any role in post-war Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly backed the idea of a broad settlement but kept to a hard line on disarmament as a prerequisite for any lasting peace.
On-the-ground reality and the humanitarian toll
On the eve of the war’s second anniversary, tensions and violence persisted. Israel’s campaign in Gaza City has intensified, with reports of multiple casualties and renewed airstrikes. According to the Israeli army, 251 people were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, still leaving 47 hostages in Gaza, of whom 25 have died. The fighting has pushed hundreds of thousands to flee, with Gaza’s humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly.
Hamas reaffirmed its plan to hand Gaza’s administration to a technocratic, independent Palestinian body, while signaling that other future issues for Gaza’s status should be discussed within a Palestinian framework that includes Hamas’ participation and responsibility.
What comes next
Within the immediate dialogue, the plan foresees a broader ceasefire and a framework for negotiations on the gates to a longer peace. Palestinian sources described internal debates within Hamas about clauses related to disarmament and expulsion of members, suggesting divergent views within the movement about how far to concede to external demands.
As the international community weighs its options, the path forward remains fragile. While some ministers and mediators see a potential breakthrough, others warn that without a credible disarmament process and a defined post-conflict framework, any agreement could be short-lived. The next days will test whether diplomatic alignment and hostage negotiations can translate into real, verifiable steps toward de-escalation in Gaza and a sustainable path for civilians caught in the crossfire.
