Donald Trump’s high-stakes diplomacy appears to have paid off, as Hamas buckled under pressure and accepted foundational elements of his Gaza peace plan just ahead of a critical deadline. The former president had given the group until 6 p.m. Washington D.C. time on Sunday to agree or face “all hell,” a threat that seemingly prompted Hamas to agree to release all Israeli hostages.
In a pivotal statement, Hamas confirmed its willingness to free the hostages as part of a deal to end the war and see Israeli forces withdraw completely. The group’s leadership announced they are prepared for immediate, mediated negotiations to iron out the specifics of the agreement, a significant move towards de-escalation that was promptly shared by Trump on his social media platform.
The Palestinian group also consented to a key provision regarding the future governance of Gaza. They approved the transfer of administrative control to a body of “independents (technocrats)” established through a Palestinian national consensus with Arab and Islamic support. This part of the agreement is seen as a crucial component for building a stable, post-conflict political structure in the territory.
While accepting the most urgent demands, Hamas indicated that other parts of the 20-point proposal require more deliberation. The statement noted that issues related to the ultimate status of Gaza and Palestinian rights are connected to international resolutions and must be decided through a unified national dialogue. This suggests that while a ceasefire and hostage exchange are imminent, the path to a final resolution remains complex.
Following Hamas’s announcement, Trump immediately shifted focus to Israel, ordering a halt to its bombing campaign in Gaza. “Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” he declared. Trump’s intervention underscores his central role in brokering the deal and his determination to see it implemented without delay, starting with the safe recovery of the hostages.