Families of Israeli hostages are seeing a renewed sense of hope after Hamas committed on Saturday to a full release of all captives as part of a peace deal brokered by Donald Trump. The group’s announcement confirmed it would free everyone, dead or alive, in a landmark agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
The commitment came in response to a high-pressure diplomatic push from Trump, who had set a Sunday evening deadline for Hamas to accept his 20-point proposal. In a statement, Hamas not only agreed to the hostage release but also affirmed its readiness for immediate negotiations to finalize the terms of a complete Israeli withdrawal.
The deal also outlines a new political future for Gaza, with Hamas consenting to step aside for a new administrative body. The group has approved the establishment of a government of “independents (technocrats),” which would be formed through a Palestinian national consensus and receive support from Arab and Islamic nations.
While the news about the hostages is a major breakthrough, Hamas has clarified that its acceptance of the Trump plan is not total. The group stated that certain long-term political issues, including the final status of the territory and Palestinian rights, require further internal consultations and will be addressed in a separate national framework.
Donald Trump immediately seized on the positive development, declaring his belief that Hamas is ready for peace and calling on Israel to stop its bombing campaign to ensure the hostages’ safe return. For the families who have waited in anguish, this commitment represents the most significant progress yet toward seeing their loved ones again.