Hamas Signals Partial Acceptance of the Gaza Peace Plan
In a move that could redefine the trajectory of the Gaza conflict, Hamas indicated it would release the last of the hostages from its 2023 attack on Israel, while signaling that the remaining elements of the U.S. peace plan are open to negotiation. The development comes as international and regional actors press for a measurable de-escalation and a path toward durable arrangements that could end years of fighting.
Hamas said it would proceed with releasing all Israeli prisoners—living and deceased—in line with the exchange formula outlined in President Donald Trump’s proposed plan, contingent upon field conditions that allow a secure and orderly exchange. The group also pledged to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian technocratic body, a move that it framed as a transition toward broader Palestinian consensus and Arab-Islamic support.
A Hamas statement stressed that parts of Trump’s 20-point plan require a unified national stance and must be addressed within relevant international laws and resolutions. The announcement did not directly address whether Hamas would cede arms, relinquish political influence in Gaza, or participate in a separate “Board of Peace” concept that Trump had floated with several world leaders.
Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that negotiations would continue on all issues relating to the movement and weapons, signaling openness to dialog while maintaining some strategic reservations.
Trump’s Role and Israeli–Palestinian Dynamics
President Trump welcomed the statement as a potentially pivotal moment, stating on social media that “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” and urging Israel to halt bombardments to facilitate the hostage exchange. He credited support from Muslim-majority nations for helping broker the agreement and asserted that everyone would be treated fairly in forthcoming discussions.
Israeli officials signaled readiness to roll out phase one of Trump’s Gaza plan, centering on the release of hostages as a priority. They noted the need for careful coordination to ensure the exchange proceeds safely and that any ceasefire or withdrawal conditions are respected by all sides. The timing of such steps remains delicate, given Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the broader security concerns in the region.
The Human Toll and Gazan Reactions
The news has injected a rare note of cautious optimism into a situation long defined by violence and displacement. Gazans—who have endured repeated bombardments, ground operations, and a collapsing economy—reacted with guarded hope rather than unbridled celebration. Some residents described the potential release of hostages as a chance to save lives that are still at risk, even as they acknowledge the deep scars left by years of conflict.
In Gaza City and neighboring districts, families and community members voiced relief that negotiations might bring a halt to the fighting. Yet they tempered their expectations, recognizing that the path to a lasting peace would be complex and uncertain. The paramount concern remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians who have lived in fear and deprivation for years.
What Comes Next?
Analysts say that while Hamas’s partial alignment with the Gaza peace plan provides a framework for action, the full realization of the proposed exchanges, governance arrangements, and security guarantees will require sustained regional and international engagement. The involvement of other stakeholders, including Arab League members and influential global partners, could influence how quickly delegations move from negotiations to on-the-ground implementation.
Authorities in Israel stress the importance of securing a ceasefire, disarmament of armed factions, and a credible political path for Gaza’s administration. The balance between security assurances and humanitarian needs will be central to any agreement that seeks to normalize life for Gazans while safeguarding Israel’s security concerns.
Gazan civilians continue to hope for relief from the humanitarian crisis that has persisted for years, with access to basic services, healthcare, and winter provisions as key immediate concerns. The evolving dynamics of hostage release, governance reforms, and international mediation will shape the next phase of this conflict and could determine whether a fragile truce becomes a lasting peace or another setback in a cycle of violence.
Bottom Line
While Hamas has shown willingness to release all hostages under the exchange framework proposed by Trump, significant questions remain about disarmament, political participation, and the full scope of reforms in Gaza. The coming days will reveal whether this opening can endure amid the competing demands of security, sovereignty, and humanitarian relief that define the Israel–Gaza conflict.
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