Hamas has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to free all remaining hostages and relinquish its power in response to a proposed ceasefire by President Donald Trump. However, this hinges on having a “consensus of the Palestinian people and support from Arab and Islamic nations.”
The organization confirmed an intention to release the remaining 48 hostages, although they emphasized that further discussions regarding other terms are necessary to align with the “unanimous Palestinian stance.” The deal, if operative, would mark a significant advancement in ongoing negotiations but raises questions about how Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will react to this partial agreement.
On Friday, Trump issued an ultimatum, stating that Hamas must accept the terms by Sunday, Eastern Standard Time. He warned that if there’s a last-minute agreement, “all hell will break out against Hamas, as no one has seen before.”
Palestinians are feeling exhausted under Hamas’ leadership, with many urging the group to adopt a peace deal that could instill some stability and hope, particularly in impoverished regions. Recent statistics show that over 33,000 Palestinians have been displaced due to Israeli actions, and one in four individuals in Gaza is facing hunger, according to information from the United Nations.
Trump’s peace proposal calls for the immediate release of all hostages and transferring control of the Gaza Strip to the International Stabilization Forces (ISF). The plan suggests that Trump, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, will lead discussions on a “Palestinian Technocrat” government.
Israel is expected to withdraw its troops based on established milestones, including a retreat after the formation of ISF governance post-release of all hostages, in addition to creating a security buffer along the Gaza-Israel border.
The White House expressed optimism that Hamas would agree to the proposal, indicating that it was “very close” to being finalized before Netanyahu’s meeting on September 30th.
The White House and the Israeli Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
