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October 3, 2025 — Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages — both living and deceased — in a move that could mark a major turning point in the ongoing Gaza conflict, now entering its third year. However, the militant group said it still seeks to negotiate key terms of former President Donald Trump’s proposed comprehensive peace agreement.
In a statement released Friday, Hamas confirmed it had conducted “in-depth consultations” to form what it called a “responsible position” on Trump’s plan to end hostilities. While the group expressed readiness to begin mediated negotiations immediately, it also tied the hostage release to specific conditions on the ground — namely, the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to positions outlined in the Trump framework.
“Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that.”
Trump emphasized the broader stakes of the moment, calling the proposal “not just about Gaza” but a step toward “long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
The former president also posted the full text of Hamas’ statement, in which the group signaled willingness to work through mediators to finalize the deal.
Field Conditions Still a Sticking Point
Despite Hamas’ apparent openness, the group made clear that the hostages — estimated to include 48 individuals, with 20 believed to be alive — would only be released once Israel scales back its operations inside Gaza. The IDF is currently advancing toward Gaza City.
Among the hostages are two American-Israeli dual citizens, Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 21, both confirmed deceased. Their deaths underscore the emotional and political stakes of any potential agreement.
Two Years Since the 2023 Massacre
Tuesday will mark two years since Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel in October 2023, killing around 1,200 civilians and soldiers and taking over 250 hostages — sparking the ongoing war. Since then, two ceasefire agreements have been reached, briefly pausing the fighting and allowing limited prisoner exchanges.
The father of one of the deceased American hostages, Ronen Neutra, voiced cautious optimism following Hamas’ announcement.
“We’re hopeful this is the beginning of the end,” he said. “That Hamas gave a serious answer, that the threats of President Trump have echoed, and they understand they have to give the hostages back.”
Neutra called on the involved nations — including Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar — to work quickly to formalize the deal.
Mixed Political Reactions
Reactions in Washington and beyond were divided. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) dismissed Hamas’ response as “predictable,” accusing the group of a “classic ‘Yes, but’” strategy to stall negotiations. He criticized the lack of disarmament and Hamas’ refusal to relinquish control over Gaza.
“This is, in essence, a rejection by Hamas of President Trump’s ‘take it or leave it’ proposal,” Graham wrote on X.
In contrast, Democratic State Assemblyman Chuck Lavine, president of the New York chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, struck a more hopeful tone.
“For the sake of humanity, we can only hope that these accounts are accurate,” Lavine said.
As talks begin to take shape behind the scenes, the world watches closely to see whether this could finally be the start of a lasting peace — or just another temporary pause in a brutal and protracted conflict.
PeakNews Online
