Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, along with the bodies of those killed, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace proposal.
This development marks a significant step towards a potential resolution of the ongoing conflict. The decision has been met with cautious optimism from international observers, who hope it will lead to further negotiations and a lasting peace agreement.
On October 3, 2025, Hamas announced its agreement to release all Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—held in Gaza. This decision came in response to a comprehensive peace proposal presented by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to end the ongoing conflict in the region.
Key Elements of the Agreement:
- Hostage Release: Hamas committed to releasing all Israeli captives, including approximately 20 believed to be alive and others who have died since their abduction during the October 7, 2023, attacks. This move is seen as a significant step toward de-escalation.
- Governance Transition: The group agreed to transfer administrative control of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic body, signaling a shift towards a more neutral governance model. However, Hamas did not commit to disarming or relinquishing its political influence in the region.
- Conditional Acceptance: While expressing willingness to negotiate, Hamas emphasized that several aspects of Trump’s 20-point plan, particularly those concerning Gaza’s future governance and Palestinian rights, require further discussion.
International Reactions:
- U.S. Response: President Trump welcomed Hamas’s partial acceptance of the plan but warned of severe consequences if the agreement is not fully implemented. He urged Israel to pause its military operations to facilitate the safe release of hostages.
- Israeli Position: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed cautious optimism, stating that Israel is prepared to cooperate fully with the agreement. He confirmed that a delegation was sent to Egypt to finalize the technical aspects of the deal.
Ongoing Negotiations:
Indirect talks are currently underway in Cairo, facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and former President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The discussions focus on the implementation of the peace plan, including the establishment of a transitional governance structure and the conditions for a permanent ceasefire.
While the release of hostages marks a positive development, significant challenges remain in achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue and commitment from all parties involved
