Washington, Oct 4: Former US President Donald Trump has welcomed Hamas’ announcement to release all hostages held in Gaza, calling it “a big day” and an unprecedented step toward peace.
In a video message, Trump said, “I just want to let you know that this is a very special day. In many ways, it is unprecedented. Thank you to those great countries that helped. We’re very close to achieving that. We’ll see how it all turns out.” He added that he looks forward to seeing hostages “come home to their parents.”
Trump also used his Truth Social platform to urge Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza so that the hostages could be freed “safely and quickly.” He further claimed that Hamas appeared “ready for a lasting peace.”
Hamas, in a statement on Telegram, confirmed its readiness to enter negotiations with mediators on the details of a hostage release agreement. The group also said it was prepared to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian technocratic body, supported by national consensus and regional backing.
The announcement came just hours after Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas to sign his 20-point Gaza peace plan by Sunday, or face consequences. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” Trump warned in a post.
The peace plan includes a temporary technocratic government in Gaza, a halt to Israel’s annexation attempts, and the safe return of all captives alive or deceased within 72 hours. The Strip’s governance would transition to an international body, the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump alongside global leaders including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Under the plan, Hamas members committing to peace would receive amnesty, while others could seek safe passage abroad. Regional and international forces would oversee Gaza’s security and help train Palestinian police, while aid would be monitored to support reconstruction.
The Gaza conflict has dragged on since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes and invasion have left more than 66,000 Palestinians dead and much of Gaza in ruins.