GAZA / WASHINGTON — Hamas has issued an official response welcoming President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal, agreeing to release all hostages in exchange for a permanent cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

In its statement, Hamas expressed appreciation for “the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of US President Donald Trump,” to end the war and facilitate a prisoner exchange. The group confirmed it is ready to begin immediate negotiations through mediators to finalize the plan’s details.

Hamas also stated it agrees to hand over the administration of Gaza to a “Palestinian body of independents,” composed of nonpartisan technocrats supported by Arab and Islamic nations. The organization emphasized that broader political issues regarding Gaza’s governance and Palestinian rights would be discussed later within a “comprehensive national framework.”

Meanwhile, former U.S. National Security Council chief of staff Fred Fleitz warned that Hamas’s early positive response may be strategic. “Hamas front-loaded their response by saying they’ll release hostages, so if the deal fails, Israel and the U.S. get blamed,” Fleitz said, cautioning that the group’s tactics should not obscure its history of violence and control in Gaza.

Observers note that Hamas’s public endorsement of Trump’s plan — unprecedented in tone — could mark a turning point in the conflict if both sides follow through. However, skepticism remains high, with critics pointing out Hamas’s past record of conditional cease-fires and broken agreements.

As of now, Israel has indicated its willingness to proceed with Trump’s plan, while negotiators continue their efforts to ensure that the release of hostages and the cessation of hostilities move forward in tandem.