In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape the Middle East conflict, Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages held since October 2023. This development comes after US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum with a Sunday evening deadline.
The Palestinian militant group responded Friday to Trump’s 20-point proposal, signalling readiness to free 48 captives—approximately 20 believed alive and 28 deceased. The announcement prompted Trump to immediately call on Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”
“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
The Trump Gaza Peace Plan: What’s Inside the Deal
The comprehensive proposal, unveiled Monday during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s White House visit, outlines specific steps toward ending nearly two years of devastating conflict.
Key elements include:
- Immediate hostage release: All 48 remaining captives to be freed within 72 hours
- Prisoner exchange: Israel releases 250 life-sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Palestinians detained since October 7, 2023
- Ceasefire provisions: Complete suspension of military operations during hostage extraction
- Gaza governance: Transition to Palestinian technocrats with international oversight
- Demilitarization: Hamas required to decommission weapons under independent monitoring
- Humanitarian aid: Full aid access immediately upon agreement
Trump initially threatened that if the agreement wasn’t reached by 6 p.m. Sunday, “all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”
Hamas Response: Conditional Acceptance Raises Questions
While Hamas agreed to release hostages “provided the field conditions for the exchange are met,” the group stopped short of unconditional acceptance. Hamas leader Musa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that locating all deceased hostages could take months, making the 72-hour timeline “theoretical and unrealistic.”
The organization stated it would “immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this agreement.”
Official Statement by The Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas
Critical sticking points remain:
- Hamas hasn’t addressed disarmament requirements
- Questions about Gaza’s future governance need “comprehensive Palestinian national framework” discussions
- Timeline for Israeli military withdrawal requires further negotiation
- Location of some deceased hostages unknown
A Hamas official clarified the group supports the first nine points of Trump’s plan but requires consultations on elements regarding Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights.
Israel’s Surprising Position: Netanyahu Caught Off Guard
Israeli officials told Axios that Netanyahu was surprised by Trump’s response, having viewed Hamas’ statement as a rejection rather than acceptance.
Despite this, Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying: “In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages.”
However, the statement conspicuously avoided addressing Trump’s demand to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called the development an “unprecedented opportunity” to free hostages and end the war, urging Netanyahu to seize the moment with full political backing.
This marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach. The president previously maintained strong support for Israeli military operations, making his public pressure on Netanyahu to halt strikes an unwelcome development for the Israeli leader.
Regional Reactions: Arab Nations Welcome Progress
Egypt and Qatar, both mediators in the conflict, welcomed Hamas’ response as a “positive development.” Qatar’s prime minister said the nation has “begun working with its partners in mediation in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in coordination with the United States of America, to complete discussions on the plan to ensure an end to the war.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also welcomed the Hamas response, calling it a “window of opportunity” for humanitarian access.
Earlier, Muslim powers including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey welcomed Trump’s plan in a joint statement calling his efforts “sincere.”
Palestinians flee amid continued Israeli strikes in Gaza
The Human Cost: Two Years of Devastation
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has exacted a staggering toll.
Israeli fire has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, according to Gaza health authorities. The humanitarian crisis has displaced over half a million people, with recent Israeli evacuation orders forcing residents from Gaza City.
The UN reported “intense strikes in recent days in parts of Deir al Balah,” where displaced people were told to move, with “tents, houses and even a crowded market” hit, killing many civilians.
Israel’s defense ministry warned that Gaza City residents who remain will be considered militants or “supporters of terror.”
Political Complications: Far-Right Opposition Threatens Deal
The plan could prove problematic for Netanyahu given it recognizes aspirations for a Palestinian state—something firmly opposed by key members of his government.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir quickly opposed the plan, stating Netanyahu does “not have a mandate to end the war without the complete defeat of Hamas.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the peace plan “a tragedy of leadership,” pushing instead for full Israeli takeover of Gaza.
These coalition partners have threatened to collapse Netanyahu’s government if the war ends before Hamas is completely eradicated—creating a political minefield for any peace agreement.
What Happens Next: Critical 48 Hours Ahead
All eyes now turn to Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline. Trump’s team indicated they’re already “in discussions on details to be worked out,” suggesting flexibility on the timeline.
Egypt has begun coordinating with Qatar and the US “to complete discussions regarding the plan to ensure the end of the war.”
The coming days will determine whether this represents a genuine breakthrough or another false dawn in the protracted Gaza conflict.
Critical factors to watch:
- Will Israel actually halt bombing operations?
- Can mediators resolve sticking points on disarmament and governance?
- How will far-right Israeli coalition members respond?
- Can Hamas locate all deceased hostages within a workable timeframe?
This development builds on Trump’s broader Middle East strategy. The administration recently signed an executive order declaring attacks on Qatar as threats to US security, following Israel’s controversial bombing of Doha that killed a Qatari serviceman.
Final Thoughts
The next 48 hours could prove pivotal in determining whether Trump’s bold gambit brings peace or whether the Gaza conflict continues to claim lives. With regional powers aligned and both parties showing cautious willingness to engage, the world watches to see if this moment represents genuine hope for Middle East peace.
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FAQ: Understanding the Gaza Peace Deal
Q: What does Hamas agree to release?
A: Hamas has agreed to release all 48 remaining Israeli hostages—approximately 20 believed alive and 28 deceased—according to the exchange formula in Trump’s plan.
Q: What does Israel give in return?
A: Israel would release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences plus 1,700 Palestinians detained since October 7, 2023. For every deceased Israeli hostage, Israel releases remains of 15 deceased Palestinians.
Q: How long does Hamas have to respond?
A: Trump set a deadline of 6 p.m. ET Sunday, October 5, 2025, though he’s indicated willingness to negotiate details.
Q: Will the war end immediately?
A: The plan calls for immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal to agreed lines once hostages are released, but implementation depends on both sides fulfilling commitments.
Q: What happens to Gaza after the war?
A: The plan envisions international governance with Palestinian technocrats eventually taking control, though specifics require further Palestinian consensus.
Q: Has Israel accepted Trump’s plan?
A: Netanyahu publicly accepted the plan but faces opposition from far-right coalition partners who demand complete defeat of Hamas first.
