Protesters hold a banner which reads “Stop genocide” during a protest to condemn the Israeli forces’ interception of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel’s naval blockade and for the release of the crews, and to protest against Israel’s operations in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, at the Place de la Republique in Paris, France, October 2, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Hamas said on Friday (October 3, 2025) it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details.
Hamas reiterated its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats.
Hamas on Gaza’s future and disarmament
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera on Friday (October 3, 2025) the group would not disarm before the Israeli occupation ends, adding the issues over Gaza’s future should be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework which Hamas will be part of.
The official added that Hamas will enter negotiations on all issues related to the group and its arms.
Hamas said it affirms its readiness to immediately engage in negotiations through mediators to discuss details of this matter.
Hamas appreciated Arab, Islamic and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Hamas has added that it accepts some elements of Trump’s peace plan but others require further negotiation.
Trump to Israel and Hamas
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he believed Hamas was ready for peace and told Israel to stop bombing Gaza, after the Palestinian militant group declared it was ready to free hostages under his ceasefire plan.
“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!” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Earlier President Donald Trump gave Hamas until 6 p.m. Washington D.C. time (2200 GMT) on Sunday (October 5, 2025) to reach an agreement on his plan for Gaza’s future, calling it a last chance for the Palestinian militant group.
(With inputs from AFP, Reuters)
Published – October 04, 2025 01:41 am IST
