President Donald Trump announced Friday that Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, under the framework of his 20-point Gaza peace plan. In a video from the Oval Office, Trump described the announcement as “a very special day, maybe unprecedented,” and credited nations such as Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan for helping bring the deal together. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is not just the return of the hostages but also “long sought peace in the Middle East.”
Netanyahu Backs the Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is preparing for immediate implementation of the first stage of Trump’s plan. In a statement early Saturday, Netanyahu pledged “full cooperation with the President and his team” and said Israel’s principles for ending the war align with Trump’s vision. This marks a significant shift, as Netanyahu has long resisted external pressure to compromise, but the urgency of bringing hostages home has created new momentum.
Hamas Signals Conditions and Negotiations
While Hamas announced its willingness to release all 46 hostages, its statement included caveats. The group said it would act “according to the exchange formula” laid out in Trump’s plan, which includes releasing Palestinian prisoners, but it did not commit to full disarmament. Hamas also said Gaza would be administered by a body of independent Palestinian technocrats, though it left open whether it intends to retain influence in the territory’s future governance. Analysts warn that these ambiguities could prolong negotiations.
International Response Praises Trump’s Role
Reactions poured in from around the world, with French President Emmanuel Macron thanking Trump for his “commitment to peace” and declaring that “a ceasefire in Gaza is within reach.” Qatar and Egypt also welcomed Hamas’s response and confirmed they are working with Washington to facilitate next steps. Even Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the announcement “a significant step forward,” urging all sides to implement the agreement quickly. This chorus of support highlights how Trump’s leadership has united international players who often struggle to agree on the Middle East.
Families of Hostages Remain Cautiously Hopeful
In Israel, families of hostages responded with a mixture of relief and skepticism. The Hostages Families Forum urged Netanyahu to act swiftly, saying Trump’s demand for a halt to bombing was “essential to prevent serious and irreversible harm” to the captives. Some parents of abducted soldiers expressed “cautious hope” but worried Hamas could backtrack or stall, as it has in past negotiations. Their voices added urgency to calls for Israel to seize this opportunity while pressure on Hamas remains high.
A Reminder That Leadership Matters
The unfolding breakthrough underscores how peace is pursued and secured only when leadership projects strength. Trump gave Hamas a clear deadline, issued a stern warning if hostages were not freed, and followed it up with diplomacy that brought regional powers together. The result: Hamas blinked. Critics note that Hamas has yet to agree on disarmament, but the fact remains that decisive U.S. leadership has shifted the momentum of the war. For many, this is proof that when America speaks firmly and backs it with resolve, the world listens.
Final Thoghts
Hamas agreeing to release Israeli hostages under President Trump’s Gaza plan marks a turning point in the nearly two-year war. While negotiations will continue and uncertainties remain, the announcement reflects how Trump’s peace-through-strength strategy has forced progress where past administrations only produced stalemates. It is a reminder that strong, clear leadership can achieve results that weak diplomacy cannot.
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