Trump’s statement emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities to ensure the safe release of hostages. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” he wrote. He noted that the current intensity of the conflict makes it “far too dangerous” to proceed with hostage releases without a ceasefire. Trump also indicated that discussions on the specifics of the proposal are already underway, underscoring that the plan extends beyond Gaza to address long-term peace in the region. “This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” he added, framing the initiative as a step toward a broader regional resolution.
Earlier that day, the White House released a video that appeared to show Trump recording a pre-recorded message about the Gaza situation, though it remains unclear when this message will be made public. The video’s release suggests that the administration is actively engaging with the issue and seeking to communicate its efforts to both domestic and international audiences.
Hamas, in its formal response to Trump’s proposal, outlined several key points. The group agreed to the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza, the return of the bodies of deceased individuals, and the transfer of Gaza’s administration to an independent technocratic Palestinian body. This response was delivered through mediators, with Hamas also requesting clarifications on certain aspects of the plan. According to a Palestinian source cited by Anadolu, Hamas conducted extensive internal consultations within its leadership and engaged with other Palestinian factions, as well as mediators and international allies, to formulate a “responsible position” on the proposal.
Hamas’s statement, posted on Telegram, emphasized that its response aligns with international laws and resolutions. The group highlighted that issues raised in Trump’s plan, particularly those concerning the future governance of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people, are tied to a unified national position. Hamas expressed appreciation for efforts by Arab, Islamic, and international actors, including Trump, to end the war in Gaza, facilitate a prisoner exchange, deliver humanitarian aid, and reject both the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its people.
The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscores the urgency of Trump’s initiative. Israel estimates that 48 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Palestinian and Israeli media, along with human rights reports, indicate that approximately 11,100 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, where they face severe conditions, including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, with many reportedly killed as a result. The dire situation in Gaza, where nearly 2.4 million people live under an 18-year Israeli blockade, has been exacerbated since October 2023. Israel’s bombardment has resulted in the deaths of nearly 66,300 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to local reports. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with widespread starvation, disease, and displacement plaguing the population.
Trump’s plan sets a tight timeline, giving Hamas until 6 p.m. Washington time (2200 GMT) on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to formally approve the proposal. The plan envisions transforming Gaza into a weapons-free zone, with a transitional governance structure overseen by a new international body led by Trump himself. Key components include the release of all Israeli captives within 72 hours of approval, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The proposal also mandates an immediate halt to hostilities, the disarmament of all armed groups in Gaza, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. Under the plan, Gaza would be governed by a technocratic authority supervised by the U.S.-led international body, a structure intended to ensure stability and compliance with the agreement.
The conflict in Gaza has been marked by Israel’s long-standing blockade, which has restricted the movement of goods and people for nearly two decades. Since March 2025, Israel has intensified the blockade by closing border crossings and blocking deliveries of food and medicine, plunging Gaza into a state of famine. The blockade, combined with ongoing military operations, has created a humanitarian catastrophe, with the United Nations reporting that the enclave’s infrastructure has been decimated, and basic services are barely functional. The widespread displacement of Gaza’s population, coupled with the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools, has left millions in desperate need of aid.
Hamas’s willingness to engage with Trump’s proposal reflects a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict, though significant challenges remain. The group’s call for clarifications suggests that certain aspects of the plan—possibly related to the governance structure or the specifics of the prisoner exchange—require further negotiation. The involvement of mediators, likely including regional powers such as Egypt and Qatar, underscores the complexity of reaching a consensus among all parties. Hamas’s consultations with other Palestinian factions also indicate an effort to present a unified front, which could strengthen its negotiating position but may also complicate the process if internal disagreements arise.
For Israel, the proposal presents both opportunities and challenges. The release of captives is a priority, but the government faces domestic pressure to maintain a hardline stance against Hamas. The plan’s call for a gradual withdrawal and the disarmament of armed groups in Gaza may be contentious, as Israeli leaders have historically prioritized security concerns over concessions. The establishment of a technocratic Palestinian authority under international supervision could also raise questions about sovereignty and long-term governance, issues that have long been at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump’s direct involvement in overseeing the implementation of the plan signals a hands-on approach by the U.S. administration, which has positioned itself as a central player in Middle East diplomacy. The creation of a new international body to monitor the agreement’s implementation reflects an ambition to institutionalize the peace process, though its success will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved, including Israel, Hamas, and international stakeholders. The tight 72-hour timeline for the release of captives adds pressure to the negotiations, as does the Sunday deadline for Hamas’s approval.
The broader implications of Trump’s plan extend beyond Gaza to the prospects for peace in the Middle East. By framing the initiative as a step toward “long sought PEACE,” Trump is signaling an intent to address the root causes of the conflict, including issues of governance, security, and Palestinian rights. However, the plan’s success hinges on overcoming deep-seated mistrust between Israel and Hamas, as well as navigating the complex web of regional and international interests. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with its staggering death toll and widespread suffering, adds urgency to the need for a resolution, but it also underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace in a region marked by decades of conflict.
As the Sunday deadline approaches, the international community will be closely watching the developments in Gaza. The outcome of Trump’s proposal could reshape the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, either by laying the groundwork for a sustainable peace or by exposing the persistent barriers to reconciliation. For the people of Gaza, who have endured years of blockade, violence, and deprivation, the stakes could not be higher. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this initiative can deliver the promised ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and pathway to peace, or whether the cycle of violence will continue to devastate the region.
