Hamas agrees to hostage release in Trump peace plan

The Hamas terror group said Friday it plans to release all hostages as outlined in President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Hamas’ response came hours after Trump issued an ultimatum to the terror group, giving it until Sunday to agree or face fiery consequences. Trump on Friday afternoon posted an image of what seemed to be the terror group’s response to the peace plan. The response was also obtained by media groups such as CNN.

Hamas did not give a blanket approval for all of Trump’s plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the 20-point plan while visiting the White House on Monday.

What exactly did Hamas agree to? The terror group agreed to release all hostages, both currently living and the remains of those who died. Hamas also agreed to immediately enter a mediated negotiation to discuss further details, according to Trump’s post. The terror group also agreed to allow an independent Palestinian body with Arab and Islamic backing to govern the region. Other issues around Gaza’s future and the rights of Palestinians can be discussed within a national framework, which Hamas will contribute to, the group added.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released a Friday afternoon statement previewing a presidential address about Hamas’ acceptance. The rumored acceptance came the same day Palestinian officials announced a plan to hold general presidential and parliamentary elections after the war. 

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report for more on Trump’s ultimatum.