GAZA CITY (BN24) — Hamas announced Friday that it has agreed to key portions of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the Gaza war, including releasing hostages and transferring administrative control of the enclave, while making clear that other elements would require further negotiations among Palestinian factions.
The militant group’s statement was its first formal response to Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, which was unveiled earlier this week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has accepted the plan, which has been widely welcomed by international partners, but Hamas emphasized that it would only partially agree for now, pointing to unresolved issues concerning Gaza’s governance and broader Palestinian rights.
Hamas reiterated its willingness to relinquish power to a politically independent Palestinian technocratic body supported by Arab and Islamic nations. It also accepted the proposal’s framework for releasing all Israeli hostages, including remains, under a specific exchange formula.
However, the group said other provisions must be discussed “on the basis of a unanimous Palestinian stance,” in coordination with other factions and in line with international law. Notably, Hamas made no mention of disarmament — a core demand from both Israel and the United States — underscoring one of the major sticking points that could complicate implementation of the deal.
Trump has given Hamas until Sunday evening to accept or reject the plan in full, warning that failure to do so could prompt an intensified military campaign. The U.S. president has framed the proposal as a path to end the nearly two-year war that began with the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and to bring home dozens of remaining hostages before the conflict’s second anniversary.
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, a staged Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, a full hostage-for-prisoner exchange, and the establishment of a transitional international administration in the enclave. While Egypt and Qatar welcomed the initiative, both said some elements would need additional negotiation.
In its statement, Hamas expressed appreciation for “Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump,” urging continued mediation to finalize the details. The group also affirmed its readiness to begin negotiations through mediators to address outstanding issues.
The White House has not issued an immediate response to Hamas’ partial acceptance.
