Hamas has conditionally accepted a ceasefire proposal by President Donald Trump. This opens the door to releasing the remaining hostages in Gaza. The declaration came just before the White House’s deadline. However, Hamas says it will not give up its weapons until the end of what it calls the “Israeli occupation.”
PBS reported the development, corroborated by documents and statements from Al Jazeera and the Associated Press.
In a statement in Arabic, obtained and translated by Al Jazeera, Hamas expressed readiness for prompt negotiations on the U.S. plan: “The movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through mediators to discuss details of this agreement.”
According to PBS, the reply followed a presidential ultimatum warning of an unprecedented military response if Hamas did not comply.
On Friday, Mr. Trump posted on X: “An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
PBS stated that the pressure coincided with broad international support for a deal.
According to PBS, the U.S. proposal would release the 48 remaining hostages. Around 20 are believed to still be alive. In exchange, Israel halts its offensive, withdraws from much of Gaza, and releases hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The plan also calls for resuming humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
On governance, the U.S. plan would have Hamas give up control of Gaza.
An independent Palestinian leadership would be formed through a “national consensus and Arab and Islamic support.”
PBS states that international oversight would be handled jointly by President Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The plan currently does not specify a pathway for Gaza to reunify with the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The White House framed the moment as a clear choice for Hamas. “Hamas can accept this plan and move forward peacefully in the region,” the press secretary said. “If not, the consequences will be tragic.” Officials called the proposal the group’s final chance to avoid more devastation and bring relief to Gaza’s civilians.
Hamas’s public comments combined praise for mediation with reservations. The movement said it “appreciate[s] the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump” and those by “Arab, Islamic, and international” actors to end the war. But a Hamas official told the Associated Press that some provisions were “unacceptable and need to be amended.” Many Palestinians fear the plan favors Israel and could further isolate Gaza from the broader national cause.
The question of disarmament remains central. Though Hamas agreed in principle to a truce, senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera the group will not disarm until the “Israeli occupation” ends. This position conflicts with the U.S. demand that Hamas surrender its weapons as part of any peace agreement. It raises doubts about how the plan could be implemented and last.
The U.S. proposal aims for a big transition. Gaza’s administration would shift to a Hamas-independent Palestinian authority under international supervision. The plan promises a surge of humanitarian aid and organized reconstruction. PBS notes that bans on forced displacement and the establishment of humanitarian corridors are proposed as quick stabilizers.
Sequencing still needs negotiation. This includes the potential for hostage releases, a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawals, prisoner release, establishment of an interim international administration, and political transition. The president’s declaration—“THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER”—presents a distinct choice for the parties. Mediators are working to develop the framework into a planned timeline.
The situation is complex. There are concerns about security, political restructuring, and civilian protection. PBS, Al Jazeera, and the Associated Press report a new opening: a broad hostage-for-truce exchange, reshaping Gaza’s leadership, and promises to protect civilians. This progress depends on resolving key disputes over disarmament and an end to Israeli occupation.
