Hamas Accepts Trump's Hostage Release Framework, President Calls for Immediate End to Gaza Bombing

Trump called for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing in Gaza to facilitate the safe extraction of hostages.

Washington:

Hamas announced Friday its readiness to discuss hostage releases within Trump's ceasefire framework, prompting the US president to call for an immediate cessation of Israeli bombing operations in Gaza.

Trump interpreted Hamas's statement as an indication of their commitment to "lasting peace," though the group made no reference to disarmament—a critical component of Trump's plan—while maintaining their position that they should have input regarding Gaza's future governance.

Earlier, Trump had established a deadline of 2200 GMT Sunday—1:00 am Monday in Gaza—for Hamas to accept his 20-point proposal or face severe consequences.

"The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages—living and remains—according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal," Hamas stated, expressing willingness to enter discussions "to discuss the details."

Their statement also indicated agreement to transfer governance in Gaza to Palestinian technocrats—another element of Trump's plan—but insisted they would "participate and contribute responsibly" in discussions about the territory's future.

Following this announcement, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi informed AFP that while the group welcomed Trump's proposal, they considered it "vague," stating "we need clarification and confirmation through a negotiated agreement."

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform shortly after, declaring his belief that Hamas was "ready for a lasting PEACE."

"Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" he added.

Trump's proposal, which Netanyahu supports, outlines a ceasefire, hostage release within 72 hours, Hamas disarmament, and phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The plan explicitly demands Hamas disarmament and prohibits Hamas or other factions from having "any role in the governance of Gaza."

Administration of Gaza would transfer to a technocratic body under a post-war transitional authority with Trump himself at the helm.

'Places of death'

On Friday, Gaza's civil defence agency—a rescue organization operating under Hamas authority—reported intense air bombardment and artillery strikes targeting Gaza City.

The agency reported Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people across the territory, including eight in Gaza City.

AFP has contacted Israeli military representatives for comment.

Media restrictions in Gaza and limited access to large portions of the territory prevent AFP from independently confirming details or casualty figures provided by either Israeli military sources or civil defence authorities.

Israeli forces continue conducting air and ground operations against Gaza's largest urban center, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate.

The UN reiterated Friday that no safe locations exist in Gaza, describing Israel-designated zones in the south as "places of death."

"The notion of a safe zone in the south is farcical," UNICEF spokesman James Elder stated from within Gaza.

Amnesty International condemned the "catastrophic wave of mass displacement" resulting from Israel's intensified operations in Gaza City.

The rights organization reported hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many already multiply displaced, were being forced into "overcrowded enclaves in the south... that lack access to clean water, food, medical care, shelter and life-sustaining infrastructure."

As the conflict approaches its two-year mark with rising casualties, global protesters have condemned Israel's interception of a flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

On Friday, Global Sumud Flotilla organizers announced their final vessel had been intercepted, and Israel's foreign ministry confirmed the deportation of four Italian participants.

'Two opinions' in Hamas

While Hamas evaluated Trump's peace proposal this week, a Palestinian source close to the group's leadership told AFP on Wednesday that the movement sought amendments to certain provisions, particularly regarding disarmament.

Hamas leaders also demand "international guarantees" ensuring complete Israeli withdrawal and protection against assassination attempts inside or outside Gaza, the source added.

Another source familiar with negotiations informed AFP that the group was internally divided over Trump's proposal.

Structurally, Hamas leadership is split between officials based in Gaza and those operating abroad, particularly from Qatar.

Israeli strikes throughout the war have eliminated much of Hamas's leadership.

The source explained to AFP that "the first (opinion) supports unconditional approval, as the priority is a ceasefire under Trump's guarantees, with mediators ensuring Israel implements the plan."

"The second has serious reservations regarding key clauses... They favour conditional approval with clarifications reflecting Hamas's and the resistance factions' demands," the source continued.

Hugh Lovatt, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, observed that "ultimately it's not just about convincing Hamas leadership in Doha, but also the leadership in Gaza, as well as Hamas members and fighters in Gaza."

"Additionally, Hamas must then be able to convince other factions in Gaza," he added.

The conflict began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, resulting in 1,219 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to AFP's compilation of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 66,288 Palestinians, according to health ministry data from Hamas-controlled territory, which the United Nations considers reliable.

Their statistics do not differentiate between civilians and combatants but indicate that women and children comprise more than half of the casualties.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)