Fri Oct 03 20:11:14 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Hamas has responded to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza, indicating a willingness to release all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a key demand of the proposal. While accepting several elements of the plan, including a willingness to cede administrative control of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic body, Hamas expressed reservations about the proposed “Board of Peace,” an international transitional government, and stressed the need for a unified Palestinian position on Gaza’s future. Trump responded positively, urging Israel to halt its bombing campaign. International mediators are working to facilitate further negotiations.

## News Article:

**Hamas Signals Willingness to Release Captives, Opening Door for Gaza Ceasefire Talks**

**Gaza/Washington D.C. –** In a significant development towards ending the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza, Hamas has indicated its readiness to release all remaining Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The announcement came in response to a 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, who issued an ultimatum to the group to respond by Sunday.

Hamas’s statement, delivered on Friday, reportedly accepts several key aspects of Trump’s proposal, including an immediate ceasefire and a swap involving the 48 remaining Israeli captives (20 believed to be alive) for Palestinian prisoners. The group also expressed a willingness to hand over administrative control of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body comprised of technocrats, with support from Arab and Islamic nations.

However, Hamas voiced reservations about the “Board of Peace,” an international transitional governance body proposed to oversee Gaza’s administration, suggesting a preference for Palestinian leadership. The group emphasized the need for a “unanimous national position” on the future of Gaza, adhering to international laws and resolutions.

President Trump responded optimistically to the statement, asserting that Hamas was “ready for a lasting PEACE” and calling on Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.” He emphasized the opportunity for broader peace in the Middle East.

International mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, have welcomed Hamas’s response and are working to facilitate further negotiations. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed encouragement and urged all parties to “seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.”

Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. Hamas has outright rejected the “Board of Peace,” signaling a desire for Palestinian control over Gaza’s future. The group’s statement came as Israel continued its offensive on Gaza, reportedly using remote-controlled vehicles to demolish neighborhoods.

Analysts suggest that Hamas’s willingness to engage signals a potential breakthrough. “Hamas showed a lot of positivity here by accepting the spirit of the paper and praising President Trump’s initiative,” said Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem. “However, they have reservations… and the ball now is in President Trump’s court.”

The coming days are crucial as mediators work to bridge the remaining gaps and secure a lasting ceasefire that addresses the concerns of all parties involved, potentially paving the way for a more stable future for Gaza and the wider region.

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