Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Oct 4: In a major breakthrough, Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, as part of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

The militant group announced its approval of the prisoner-exchange formula proposed by Trump, while also calling for immediate entry of aid and an end to Israeli bombardments. Hamas said it was ready to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian technocratic body backed by Arab and Islamic nations, though it stopped short of agreeing to disarmament or staged Israeli withdrawals.

Following Hamas’ response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of the plan, which focuses on the hostages’ release.

Trump, who has cast himself as the key broker for Middle East peace, urged Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza” to ensure the safe transfer of hostages. “This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” he wrote on Truth Social.

However, residents in Gaza reported that Israeli airstrikes continued even after Trump’s message, with heavy bombardment in parts of Gaza City and Khan Younis.

The US plan includes a ceasefire, a prisoner-hostage exchange, staged Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and the creation of a transitional international administration for Gaza. Mediation efforts led by Qatar and Egypt are underway to resolve outstanding disputes, particularly over disarmament and withdrawal timelines.

The war, now nearing its second year, began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s response has left more than 66,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health authorities, with widespread destruction and famine conditions gripping the enclave.

With Trump’s Sunday deadline looming, world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have urged immediate action to build on Hamas’ commitment and move towards ending the devastating conflict.