Hamas agrees to parts of Trump's Gaza plan, including release of Israeli hostages

Hamas said on Friday it would agree to some aspects of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, including releasing hostages and handing over administration of the enclave, but that it would seek negotiations over many of its other terms.

In a statement, Hamas issued its response to Trump's 20-point plan after the U.S. president gave the Palestinian militant group until Sunday to accept or reject the proposal.

Trump has not said whether the terms would be subject to negotiation, as Hamas is seeking.

Notably, Hamas did not say whether it would agree to a stipulation that it disarm, a demand by Israel and the U.S. that it has previously rejected.

In its statement, Hamas said it "appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts," as well as Trump's efforts, "calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, [and] the immediate entry of aid," among other terms.

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It said it was announcing its "approval of releasing all occupation prisoners — both living and remains — according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange."

But Hamas added: "In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details."

The group said it was ready "to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents [technocrats] based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing."