The President of the United States, Donald Trump, welcomed Hamas's announcement to release all Israeli hostages -whether alive or deceased- under the terms of the U.S. proposal for Gaza.
In a video broadcast from the Oval Office, Trump expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group, and thanked everyone who worked towards this outcome.
"I want to thank the countries that helped me organize this: Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and so many others. Many people have fought with such dedication. This is a great day. We'll see how everything unfolds," he expressed.
The Republican leader recalled that the most important thing is for the hostages to return home to their parents. He lamented that some of them are no longer alive, but emphasized that, despite this, it is important for them to come back. "Their parents loved them just as much as if that boy or girl were alive," he said.
"I just want you to know that this is a very special day, perhaps unprecedented in many ways, unprecedented," he said.
"We were all united in the desire for this war to end and for peace to be achieved in the Middle East, and we are very close to accomplishing it. Thank you all, and everyone will receive fair treatment," he concluded.
The decision of Hamas and what will come next
The Hamas declaration to release the hostages includes their willingness to immediately initiate mediated negotiations to define the operational details of the agreement, according to a report by Reuters.
The announcement came after Trump issued a blunt ultimatum: if the Islamist group did not accept the peace plan by Sunday at 6:00 PM (Eastern Time), "there will be hell like never seen before." The president emphasized that "all countries have signed" the agreement and that only Hamas's response was pending.
The 20-point plan, presented on Monday at the White House by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to end nearly two years of conflict in Gaza.
Among its main provisions are the cessation of the war, the release of all hostages, and an ambitious reconstruction plan under international supervision. Israel confirmed its acceptance through Netanyahu in a joint appearance with Trump.
The next step: stop the bombings by Israel
After Hamas's statement, Trump urged Israel to "immediately" halt the bombings in Gaza, arguing that a pause is necessary to ensure the safe and swift rescue of the hostages.
"At this moment, it is too dangerous to do so," wrote the leader, noting that his team is already discussing the details that need to be resolved, with a broader objective: "It's not just about Gaza; it's about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East."
The presidential plan conditions the rescue of the hostages on an immediate de-escalation, although specific dates, mechanisms, or mediators for implementing the pause or ensuring the exchange have yet to be established.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the conflict has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, including 17,000 minors, since the start of the Israeli offensive following the attack on October 7, 2023, which also led to 1,200 deaths in Israel and more than 250 abductions.
Trump emphasized the importance of the Palestinian side being ready to engage in mediated talks.
The release of the hostages, he noted, represents a step towards lasting peace and reflects the active role of the United States in resolving one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts in the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Agreement Between Trump and Hamas
What did Donald Trump announce about the conflict between Israel and Hamas?
Donald Trump announced that Hamas agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of the U.S. proposal for Gaza. This announcement was accompanied by Trump's optimism regarding a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group. The 20-point plan presented aims to end the conflict in Gaza, with the release of hostages and an internationally supervised reconstruction plan.
What does Trump's plan for Gaza include?
The Trump plan for Gaza includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an ambitious reconstruction plan under international supervision. It also stipulates the establishment of a transitional government without the involvement of Hamas, and the demilitarization of the enclave. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a framework that allows for the creation of a Palestinian state in the future, provided that institutional reforms are implemented and regional security is guaranteed.
Which countries have supported the agreement proposed by Trump?
Donald Trump thanked several countries for their support in organizing the agreement, including Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. These countries have been key in the diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement in the region. Furthermore, Israel has already accepted the proposal, highlighting the international commitment to the plan led by the United States.
How has Hamas reacted to Trump's ultimatum?
Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages and has shown a willingness to begin mediated negotiations. This decision came after Trump issued an ultimatum, warning that failure to accept the peace plan would unleash unprecedented "hell." Hamas's acceptance is seen as a step toward peace and reflects international pressure and threats of escalation in the conflict.
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