Hamas Accepts Trump Plan 2 Hours Before Deadline, Seeks Negotiations on Details

The Hamas terror organization on Friday evening submitted its formal reply to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative, according to reports from Al Jazeera and the Qatari outlet Al-Araby. The plan had earned the support of the Arab mediators, Turkey, other middle eastern countries, as well as European powers.

In its statement, Hamas declared, “After thorough review, the following response was conveyed to the mediators: Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as those of US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, a prisoner exchange, the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, the rejection of the occupation of the Gaza Strip, and the displacement of our Palestinian people from it.”

The group went on to announce, “In this context, and to achieve a cessation of hostilities and a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the movement announces its agreement to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, in accordance with the exchange formula included in President Trump’s proposal, provided that the necessary conditions on the ground are met. In this regard, the movement confirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details.”

Channel 12 reported, citing Israeli officials, that Israel is worried Hamas will try to buy time – to force a ceasefire in order to negotiate, but will not ultimately agree to significant parts such as disarming.

Hamas further emphasized that it “reaffirms its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian body (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.”

Addressing broader points, Hamas added, “The other issues raised in President Trump’s proposal regarding the future of the Gaza Strip and the authentic rights of the Palestinian people are tied to a comprehensive national stance, based on relevant international laws and resolutions, and will be addressed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework in which Hamas will participate and bear full responsibility.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, Hamas has indicated a willingness to accept the plan but continues to oppose disarmament; one of the key steps outlined in Trump’s 20-point plan.

Kan 11 News reported that Israeli officials believe Hamas’s reply will open the door to intensive negotiations over ending the war and securing the hostages’ release. These officials expect Hamas to request extra time regarding the release of all hostages, which under Trump’s proposal should occur within 72 hours of the agreement being signed.

While the whereabouts of 20 living hostages held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad are known, officials believe the terror group may demand more time, or an IDF pullback, to enable the transfer of deceased hostages. Messages to this effect were recently passed to Israel through mediators, Kan 11 reported.

The Hamas statement came just hours after President Trump issued a stern warning on Truth Social.

“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote. “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.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later reinforced Trump’s ultimatum, stressing that Hamas must accept his Gaza peace proposal by Sunday or face “very grave” consequences.