Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Friday it was ready to release hostages held in Gaza under a peace deal proposed by President Donald Trump but wanted negotiations on the details and a say in the future of the Palestinian territory.
“The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages—living and remains—according to the exchange formula included in President Trump’s proposal,” Hamas said in a statement, adding it was ready to enter talks “to discuss the details.”
Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza, released this week and supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a truce, the release of captives within 72 hours, Hamas disarming, and a phased Israeli pullout from Gaza.
In the statement, the militant group said it agreed to hand over control in Gaza to a committee of Palestinian technocrats, but that choices on the territory’s long-term future would need to be considered inside a Palestinian framework “in which Hamas will participate and contribute responsibly.”
Hamas’ statement made no mention of its intentions on disarmament, a critical component of the US president’s plan that the group has previously opposed.
After the announcement, Mahmoud Mardawi, a senior Hamas leader, told AFP that the group welcomed Trump’s approach, but that “without clear terms, criteria, and transparency, we need clarification and confirmation through a negotiated agreement.”
“The American proposal is vague, ambiguous, and lacks clarity,” Mardawi said.
The militant group had “made our position clear, and we are now waiting to see how the details of the terms will be implemented and clarified,” he added.
According to the US plan unveiled on Monday, which has been embraced by foreign powers, including Arab and Muslim states, Trump will lead a post-war transitional authority over Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, the US president gave Hamas until Sunday night to respond to the plan, warning the group that it would suffer “all hell” if it did not accept the terms.
