After what it describes as “in-depth consultations” with leadership ranks, Palestinian factions, and mediators, Hamas on Friday has agreed to release all Israeli captives held in Gaza, whether dead or alive.
The announcement comes just hours after US President Donald Trump warned on his TruthSocial account that Hamas should “RELEASES THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time”.
It also comes five days after Trump announced his 20-point plan for Gaza alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The movement announces its agreement to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met,” Hamas said in a statement.
“In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this. The movement also 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,” the group added.
Hamas did not specify that it agreed to the 20-point plan as presented, and has, over the past week, repeatedly said that it needed to negotiate a number of points further.
“The other issues mentioned in President Trump’s proposal regarding the future of the Gaza Strip and the inherent rights of the Palestinian people are linked to a comprehensive national position based on relevant international laws and resolutions, and are being discussed within a national framework,” the Hamas statement said.
Trump has since posted Hamas’ official letter on the matter to his TruthSocial account without additional commentary. This marks the first time a US president has presented to the American public the full wording of Hamas correspondence.
[ SOURCE: MIDDLE EAST EYE ]
