Hamas agrees to release all Israeli hostages under Trump plan

Hamas agrees to release all Israeli hostages under Trump Gaza plan — Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of radical Islamist Hamas froup, attend the funeral of the bodies of Al-Qassam fighters who were killed during the Israeli war on Gaza, 2025. Photo: Flash90

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday called on Israel to stop airstrikes and shelling in Gaza after Hamas said it would accept parts of a U.S.-backed plan that includes the release of Israeli hostages. Several key points of the proposal, such as disarmament and withdrawal arrangements, remain unsettled.

Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for the first phase of Trump’s plan following Hamas’s response.

Israeli media reported political leaders had ordered a reduction of military activity, though the army’s chief of staff only directed forces to be ready for the plan’s implementation without mentioning any pause in operations.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that Israel must stop attacks in Gaza so that hostages can be released. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly,” he said.

He added that details were being worked out and said the effort was aimed not only at Gaza but also at long-sought peace in the Middle East.

The U.S. plan, presented as a 20-point framework, includes a ceasefire, exchange of hostages for Palestinian criminal prisoners, a staged Israeli withdrawal, disarmament of Hamas, and a transitional authority under international sponsorship.

Trump had given Hamas until Sunday to accept the plan or face what he described as serious consequences.

Hamas responded that it welcomed efforts by Arab, Islamic, and international partners, as well as those of Trump, to end the war. The Islamist group confirmed its approval of releasing all Israeli captives, alive and deceased, according to the exchange formula in the plan.

It added that it was ready to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body of independents backed by Arab and Islamic countries. Hamas said it was also prepared to begin negotiations through mediators to finalize details.

However, the group did not accept Israel’s demand for disarmament. It also opposed Israel’s proposal for staged withdrawals, instead calling for a complete and immediate withdrawal.

A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that disarmament would not happen before the end of Israel’s occupation. Another official said on Al Araby television that foreign governance of Gaza was unacceptable.

Israel launched its military campaign after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures. Officials say 48 remain, 20 alive.

Since then, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 66,000 people in Gaza. Israel says most were Islamist Hamas militants, while Hamas’ Gaza health authorities report mostly civilian deaths. Much of the territory has been destroyed, and aid restrictions have created famine in some areas.

Qatar confirmed it was coordinating with Egypt and the United States on further talks. A spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry wrote that discussions were continuing.

The United Nations urged all sides to seize the chance to stop the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of hostages and a ceasefire were within reach.

Families of Israeli hostages also supported Trump’s demand for halting attacks, calling it vital for their relatives’ safety.

Trump warned Friday that “all HELL” would break out if Hamas did not agree to the deal by Sunday evening. “There will be peace in the Middle East one way or the other,” he wrote.

Hamas officials said some terms, such as returning remains of hostages within 72 hours, might not be feasible.

Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera it could take weeks to locate remains. Hamas also said future arrangements should be agreed on by all Palestinian factions and in line with international law.

Israel’s government said it remained committed to ending the war in accordance with principles it had previously outlined, which it said matched Trump’s vision.

Netanyahu’s statement did not address Hamas’s objections over disarmament or withdrawals. Hostilities continue across Gaza as negotiations move forward under mediation.

For now, both sides appear divided on core issues even as they signal readiness to move ahead with the first stage: the release of hostages.

(With files from Reuters | Associated Press)