Hamas Readies for Israeli Hostage Release Amid Truce Talks
Hamas has announced its readiness to release all 250 Israeli hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. The militant group also expressed a willingness to hand over Gaza’s governance to an independent Palestinian body, aligning its stance with elements of the Trump-administered ceasefire plan. The decision comes following a thorough review of the 20-point proposal, which includes an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
While Hamas has not explicitly accepted all aspects of the Trump plan, its statement indicates a willingness to engage in negotiations to discuss the finer details. A senior Hamas official, Mousa Abu Marzook, emphasized that the priority is to stop the war and prevent further massacres. He warned that releasing all hostages within the 72-hour window before Trump’s ultimatum deadline may be theoretical and unrealistic, stating that the group will hand over weapons only once a Palestinian state with its own army is established.
The announcement coincided with Trump’s latest ultimatum to Hamas, demanding acceptance of the proposal by 6pm US Eastern time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday or face ‘ultimate destruction.’ The former U.S. president warned of ‘peace in the Middle East one way or the other,’ signaling his continued involvement in the geopolitical conflict. Talks on hostages and broader settlement are set to begin on October 5 in Egypt, with the possibility of extending the 72-hour deadline for releases based on ground conditions.
Hamas took around 250 people hostage during the October 7, 2023 surprise attack on southern Israel, which left at least 1,200 people dead and prompted Israel’s subsequent operation in Gaza. The militants are believed to still hold nearly 50 hostages, with roughly half presumed to be alive. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has caused widespread destruction across the enclave, displacing most of its residents, while over 68,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.