Hamas Ready to Release Israeli Hostages Under Conditions Linked to Trump's Peace Plan

In a statement released Friday, October 3, 2025, Hamas announced its willingness to release all Israeli hostages, living and dead, to end the war in Gaza. However, the Islamist movement conditions this gesture on a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave and the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement based on the proposal of former US President Donald Trump. Hamas affirms its desire « to immediately begin negotiations through mediators » to discuss the terms of the agreement. The armed group also stated its readiness to entrust the administration of Gaza to an independent authority of Palestinian technocrats, based on national consensus and with the support of the Arab and Islamic world. A Controversial Peace Plan Donald Trump's initiative, reiterated in this context, provides for an end to hostilities, the release of Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians. It also includes the Israeli demand for the disarmament of Hamas, a crucial point that the movement's statement did not address. « Based on the statement just released by Hamas, I believe they are ready for lasting peace, » Donald Trump reacted on his Truth Social platform. The former president described this Friday as a « very special, perhaps unprecedented day, » thanking mediating countries such as Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan for their role in the process. Israel Remains Cautious For its part, the Israeli army stated that the release of hostages would only occur when « conditions on the ground are met, » meaning after a partial withdrawal of its forces to the lines stipulated in the peace plan. Israel is currently continuing its offensive in the Gaza Strip, notably approaching Gaza City. On Friday, an estimated 48 hostages were still held in the enclave, about twenty of whom are believed to be alive. Among them are two Americans: Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 21. Two Years After the Hamas Attack This announcement comes as the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack approaches, during which approximately 1,200 Israelis, both civilians and military personnel, were killed and over 250 taken hostage. Since then, two temporary ceasefires have allowed for prisoner and captive exchanges, but fighting has never ceased. As the conflict enters its third year, the possibility of a comprehensive agreement sparks both hope and skepticism. Hamas asserts its desire to « contribute responsibly » to a unified Palestinian national framework, while Donald Trump promises that « everyone will be treated fairly. » The Editorial Team
With International Press