Hamas Agrees to Release Israeli Hostages, Seeks Amendments to U.S.-Backed Gaza Peace Plan

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2025 (ENA)— Hamas has agreed to release all the remaining Israeli hostages but says it wants further negotiations on a number of key points outlined in the US peace plan.

In a statement, the group said it agreed "to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal" - if the proper conditions for the exchanges are met.

But it appears to suggest it is seeking further negotiation on other issues regarding the future of Gaza and the rights of Palestinians, saying they are still being discussed.

The announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump gave Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the peace plan or face "all hell".

After Hamas submitted its response, Trump posted on Truth Social "I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE".

He called on Israel to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" adding that "we are already in discussions on details to be worked out".

Tahir al-Nounou, media adviser to the head of Hamas's political bureau, told the BBC: "President Trump's statements are encouraging, and the movement is ready to begin negotiations immediately to achieve a prisoner exchange, end the war, and secure the withdrawal of the occupation."

The Hamas statement did not specifically mention or accept Trump's 20-point plan but says it "renews its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support."

However the statement makes no mention of one of the key demands of the plan – that Hamas agree to its disarmament and to playing no further role in the governance of Gaza.

The peace plan proposes an immediate end to fighting and the release within 72 hours of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas - as well as the remains of hostages thought to be dead - in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans.

There are believed to be 48 hostages still being held in the Palestinian territory by the armed group, only 20 of whom are thought to be alive.

The plan stipulates that once both sides agree to the proposal "full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip".

Under the US plan, Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza, and it leaves the door open for an eventual Palestinian state, it was indicated.