In a significant turn toward peace in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Hamas announced on Friday that it is prepared to release all Israeli captives in line with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal for Gaza.
The group’s declaration has sparked cautious optimism about the potential to end months of warfare that have devastated the Gaza Strip, where Israeli airstrikes have resulted in thousands of casualties.
According to the statement released by Hamas, the organization agreed “to free all Israeli detainees—both alive and deceased—under the terms outlined in President Trump’s exchange formula, provided that suitable conditions on the ground allow the process to take place.”
Hamas further emphasized that the release of hostages must occur “in a way that guarantees an end to the conflict and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.”
Following the announcement, Donald Trump directed an immediate suspension of Israeli airstrikes in the territory. A Hamas representative welcomed Trump’s move, describing it as a positive step.
“President Trump’s call for an immediate stop to the bombing campaign in Gaza is a promising sign,” Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu told AFP. “Hamas is prepared to start discussions right away to finalize a prisoner exchange, end hostilities, and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip,” he added.
However, Hamas also clarified that the full implementation of Trump’s 20-point roadmap would require detailed negotiations.
The group stated, “The remaining aspects of the plan demand a unified national approach and must be addressed in line with international law and relevant resolutions.”
Senior Hamas figure Musa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that the movement had accepted the proposal “in principle, focusing on its key objectives,” but emphasized that “the actual execution will depend on further negotiations.”
Hamas also indicated its readiness to “transfer administrative control of the Gaza Strip to a neutral Palestinian body composed of independent figures, based on national consensus and with the support of Arab and Islamic nations.”
Shortly after Hamas’ statement, the Israeli Defense Forces announced that they were ready to move forward with “the initial phase of President Trump’s initiative to release hostages.”
According to reports from the Times of Israel, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held consultations with senior military officials to assess the latest developments.
This followed Trump’s directive to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt bombardments in Gaza.
While Israel has not officially confirmed compliance with Trump’s request, Netanyahu’s office briefly posted a message stating, “We will continue to cooperate closely with the President and his administration to bring this conflict to an end, in accordance with Israel’s guiding principles, which align with President Trump’s vision.” The post was later deleted.