Under mounting international pressure, Hamas has tentatively agreed to release all Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, as part of a 20-point Gaza peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In exchange, Israel would free nearly 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences, and hand over Gaza’s administration to a neutral technocratic authority.
According to the plan, hostages would be handed over within 72 hours after Israel publicly accepts the deal. Following this, Hamas would disarm and cede political control, while Israel would begin a phased military withdrawal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the framework but insists on the immediate release of hostages and retaining strict Israeli security oversight over Gaza during the transition.
While Israel has shown readiness to start implementing the plan, it has not committed fully to halting military operations pending further developments. Hamas has accepted many elements but has resisted immediate disarmament and withdrawal, requesting more time to evaluate the proposal.
President Trump has given Hamas a firm deadline—Sunday, 6 p.m. Washington time—to accept the agreement, warning of severe consequences if they refuse. He has also ordered an immediate halt to Israeli bombings in Gaza to facilitate progress.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified the urgency for a resolution, with the peace plan’s success now hinging on Hamas’s response and Israel’s willingness to follow through on its commitments. This marks a critical juncture with hopes for a ceasefire, hostage release, and a roadmap toward reconstruction and lasting peace in the region.
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