New Delhi, Oct 4: Hamas said it is prepared to release all remaining Israeli hostages under the framework of the US peace plan for Gaza, while seeking further negotiations on key points, the BBC reported. A Hamas spokesperson told the BBC that US President Donald Trump’s remarks were “encouraging,” adding: “We are ready to begin negotiations immediately to achieve a prisoner exchange, end the war, and secure the withdrawal of the occupation.”
In its statement, Hamas confirmed agreement to “release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met.” It also said it would “hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents” based on national consensus and with Arab and Islamic backing.
On the broader question of Gaza’s future, Hamas said Palestinian rights must be rooted in international law and discussed “within a national framework” in which the group would participate.
Qatar welcomed the Hamas statement, saying: “We also affirm our support for the statements made by the President calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages, and to achieve rapid results that would put an end to the bloodshed of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.” Doha added it had begun coordinating with Egypt and the US to resume ceasefire talks.
Trump, responding on Truth Social, said: “Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long-sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
The announcement came just after Trump gave Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the US proposals or face “all hell.” The 20-point plan – already accepted by Israel – calls for an immediate ceasefire, a staged prisoner exchange, and Hamas’s disarmament, while ruling out the group’s role in Gaza’s future governance.
