WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct 3, 2025 – President Donald Trump declared Friday that a newly issued statement from Hamas signals readiness for “lasting PEACE” in the Middle East, urging Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza to facilitate the swift release of remaining Israeli hostages.
The White House posted the president’s remarks on X, quoting him directly: “Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly… this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.” The post, which garnered over 20,000 likes within hours, accompanied an image of Trump at a podium, emphasizing the administration’s push for a comprehensive deal.
Hamas’ statement, released earlier Friday, marks a potential breakthrough in the two-year Israel-Gaza conflict. The group announced its agreement to release all remaining Israeli hostages—estimated at about 20 living captives and the bodies of roughly 30 others—in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and fulfillment of on-the-ground conditions for the swap. Previous phased deals have already freed more than 100 hostages, but sticking points like Hamas’ disarmament and governance of Gaza have stalled progress.
The pledge comes amid heightened pressure from the Trump administration. The president issued a Sunday evening ultimatum for Hamas to fully endorse his 20-point peace proposal, warning of “all hell” if rejected—though specifics on consequences remain unclear. Key elements of the plan include an immediate ceasefire, Hamas’ complete disarmament, and a U.S.-led interim administration for Gaza following the handover.
While Hamas expressed willingness on the hostage front, it stopped short of blanket acceptance, calling for further negotiations on broader terms like power-sharing and foreign involvement in Gaza. “We are ready to release all Israeli captives held in Gaza,” the statement read, per reports, but emphasized the need for “more talks” to address Palestinian demands.
Israeli officials have remained publicly silent on the developments, observing the Jewish Sabbath. However, reactions on social media were swift and polarized. Pro-Israel voices, including commentator Emily Schrader, dismissed the overture as insufficient, noting Hamas rejected most of Trump’s core proposals and warning it distracts from broader threats like Iran. Palestinian advocates, meanwhile, highlighted ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as evidence of bad faith, with one user sharing footage of recent bombardments amid the diplomatic flurry.
International response has been cautiously optimistic. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Israel to prioritize “justice for Palestinians” before advancing any deal. Leaders from Europe and the Middle East voiced support for the plan’s potential to end the protracted war, which has claimed thousands of lives on both sides. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed Hamas’ readiness to engage, urging all parties to seize the moment for de-escalation.
Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s optimism in a separate statement, praising the administration’s mediation efforts and appealing for prayers toward a peaceful resolution. As the Sunday deadline looms, eyes remain on whether Hamas’ conditional yes can evolve into a full agreement—or unravel under the weight of mutual distrust.