Group Agrees to Trump’s 20-Point Proposal Ahead of Deadline
Hamas announced late Friday that it is prepared to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza—both those alive and deceased—under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled 20-point peace initiative. The announcement came just two days before Trump’s ultimatum deadline of Sunday, 6 p.m. Eastern Time, when he warned that “all hell” would break loose if the deal was rejected.
Hamas Response Before Deadline
In its official statement, Hamas confirmed that after “extensive consultations,” it would comply with the hostage release conditions “according to the exchange formula” outlined in Trump’s proposal. The group also emphasized that the implementation would depend on “necessary field conditions” to safely carry out the exchange.
The statement signals a rare openness from the militant organization, which has held dozens of hostages since the outbreak of the war nearly two years ago. Current estimates suggest that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly 20 believed to still be alive.
Administrative Shift in Gaza
Alongside the hostage release, Hamas said it is willing to hand over Gaza’s administration to a nonpartisan “independent Palestinian technocratic body,” which would function based on a broad national consensus and receive backing from Arab and Islamic nations. However, the group added that other points in Trump’s plan concerning Gaza’s long-term governance and Palestinian rights would require further negotiations in line with international law.
Trump’s “Last Chance” Ultimatum
Trump rolled out his comprehensive peace plan earlier in the week during a joint press event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Initially allowing Hamas “three to four days” to respond, the former president later set a strict Sunday evening deadline, formalizing it on his Truth Social account Friday morning.
“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”
The ultimatum underscores Trump’s strategy of leveraging military pressure alongside diplomatic maneuvering. He has claimed that more than 25,000 Hamas fighters have already been killed, with the remainder “trapped and surrounded, waiting for the final order.”
Key Features of Trump’s 20-Point Plan
The peace proposal introduces several sweeping measures designed to end hostilities and stabilize Gaza:
- Immediate Ceasefire: Both sides must halt fighting once the agreement is signed.
- Disarmament of Hamas: The group would surrender its weapons and give up governing authority.
- Hostage Exchange: Hamas would release all remaining Israeli captives within 72 hours.
- Palestinian Prisoner Release: Israel would free 1,700 Palestinians detained since the conflict began, as well as 250 serving life sentences.
- Transitional Government: An international “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and including former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, would oversee Gaza’s administration.
- Humanitarian Aid: Israel would allow expanded humanitarian relief into Gaza.
- No Relocation: Proposals to resettle Gaza’s population abroad are shelved.
If fully implemented, the plan would strip Hamas of its governing role while setting the stage for a new Palestinian-led administrative body supported by regional partners.
Conflict Background
The conflict traces back to the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, in which Hamas fighters killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has since led to devastating losses in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed during the nearly two-year war.
The proposed agreement, if accepted, could mark the most significant turning point since the hostilities began, potentially halting bloodshed and laying a foundation for political restructuring in Gaza. Still, Hamas’s conditional acceptance suggests further negotiations will be needed to iron out long-term governance issues.
What Comes Next
As the Sunday deadline looms, international focus remains on whether Hamas will follow through on its commitment and whether Israel will agree to the terms. Trump’s plan, which he has described as the “last chance for peace,” has drawn support from multiple countries eager to see a ceasefire but remains controversial given its ambitious scope.
If Hamas and Israel both move forward, the hostage release could begin within days, marking a critical step toward de-escalation. Failure to reach consensus, however, could reignite large-scale conflict, with Trump warning of severe consequences.
For now, the world watches closely as the deadline approaches, with the fate of hostages, civilians, and regional stability hanging in the balance.
