On Friday night, Hamas announced in a statement that it was "willing to release all hostages" held in Gaza, as part of the peace plan proposed by Trump. The statement referred to the release of hostages "alive and dead" in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, in accordance with the "exchange formula" mentioned in the American proposal.
"The movement announces its agreement for the release of all prisoners of the occupation, both living and deceased, according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal ," the Hamas statement specifies.
The Islamist group added that it was ready to immediately begin negotiations, through mediators, to clarify the terms. The mediations could involve Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations, traditionally involved in
Israel prepares for the implementation of a "quick release" hostages
In the wake of this, Israel announced on Saturday morning that it was preparing to implement a "rapid release" of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, after Hamas expressed its agreement in principle to the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
"Following Hamas's response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of the Trump plan for the release of all hostages," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's Office said in an official statement to Israeli media.
A plan presented as a “last chance”
On Friday, Donald Trump gave Hamas until 22 p.m. GMT on Sunday to accept the American peace plan, which the US president described as "the last chance to end the war and rebuild Gaza."
The US plan provides for a complete ceasefire, the gradual release of hostages, the massive influx of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian interim authority to administer Gaza in coordination with Arab states and the international community.
Towards a new governance of Gaza
In its statement, Hamas also reaffirmed its agreement to entrust the management of the territory to an independent Palestinian body, based on national consensus and enjoying the support of Arab and Islamic countries.
This proposal partly takes up the discussions held in recent months in Cairo, under Egyptian mediation, around a Palestinian technocratic government bringing together different factions.
However, the Islamist movement has not specified whether it will agree to disarm, a demand made by Israel and the United States. Hamas's disarmament remains one of the most sensitive points in the negotiations, as the group has previously refused to surrender military forces without political compensation.
Call for an end to the war and the delivery of aid
Hamas concluded its statement by welcoming "the Arab, Muslim and international efforts, as well as those of US President Donald Trump, to end the war in the Gaza Strip, facilitate the exchange of prisoners and allow the immediate entry of humanitarian aid."
According to the United Nations, more than 2 million civilians remain facing a major humanitarian crisis in the enclave, after nearly two years of conflict that has left tens of thousands dead, according to joint reports from the Gaza Health Ministry and Israeli authorities.
