Hamas said on Friday (October 3, 2025) it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza proposal, and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details.
Hamas reiterated its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats.
Hamas on Gaza’s future and disarmament
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera on Friday (October 3, 2025) the group would not disarm before the Israeli occupation ends, adding the issues over Gaza’s future should be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework which Hamas will be part of.
The official added that Hamas will enter negotiations on all issues related to the group and its arms.
Understanding the Trump plan for Gaza
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Hamas said it affirms its readiness to immediately engage in negotiations through mediators to discuss details of this matter.
Hamas appreciated Arab, Islamic and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Hamas has added that it accepts some elements of Trump’s peace plan but others require further negotiation.
Trump to Israel and Hamas
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he believed Hamas was ready for peace and told Israel to stop bombing Gaza, after the Palestinian militant group declared it was ready to free hostages under his ceasefire plan.
"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 about long sought PEACE in the Middle East." - President Trump pic.twitter.com/OKPYBmW5ql
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 3, 2025
"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!" Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.
"Right now, it's far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East."
Earlier President Donald Trump gave Hamas until 6 p.m.Washington D.C. time (2200 GMT) on Sunday (October 5, 2025) to reach an agreement on his plan for Gaza’s future, calling it a last chance for the Palestinian militant group.
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A woman shows a sign as demonstrators take part in a pro-Palestinian protest after Israel forces intercepted some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel’s naval blockade, outside of the Israeli embassy in Mexico City, Mexico, on October 3, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters
World looks forward to permanent ceasefire
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is encouraged by the Hamas statement in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war between the Palestinian militants and Israel in the Gaza Strip, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday (October 3, 2025).
“He urges all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end,” Mr. Dujarric said in a statement.
Qatar said it has begun coordination with mediator Egypt and the United States to continue talks on U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan to reach an end to the war, the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on X.
The State of Qatar welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump's plan, and its readiness to release all hostages as part of the exchange framework outlined in the plan.
We also affirm our support for the statements made by the President calling for an…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) October 3, 2025
He said Qatar welcomed Palestinian militant group Hamas’ response to Mr. Trump’s plan.
Egypt said on Saturday (October 4, 2025) it hopes “positive development” after Palestinian militant group Hamas’ response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan will lead all parties to implement the plan, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
It said it will exert all effort with Arab states, the U.S, and European countries to reach a permanent ceasefire in the war-torn enclave.
(With inputs from AFP, Reuters) |
