U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages as part of a new peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This development followed Trump’s ultimatum, which required Hamas to respond to a 20-point proposal by October 5, 2025. He warned that refusal would lead to intensified military action.
The peace plan, presented by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes provisions for Hamas to release hostages, Israel to cease its military operations, and a planned withdrawal from much of Gaza. It also proposes establishing a transitional governance structure co-led by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, alongside the release of Palestinian prisoners and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Although Hamas’s agreement to release the hostages marks progress towards de-escalation, the group has expressed concerns regarding aspects of the plan related to Gaza governance and Palestinian rights. They argue that these issues should be negotiated within a broader Palestinian national framework, where Hamas would have a role.
In light of this partial acceptance, President Trump urged Israel to immediately halt its bombardment in Gaza to ensure the safe release of hostages, highlighting that current conditions are too dangerous for such an effort. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the details of the agreement.
The international community has generally welcomed these developments, with support voiced by mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations Secretary-General. Given that the conflict has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths and significant displacement, the proposed peace plan aims to address humanitarian concerns and foster a lasting resolution. With the deadline approaching, focus shifts to Hamas’s ultimate decision and the actions of Israel and the international community to ensure the plan’s success.
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