Hamas agrees to release hostages but rejects foreign governorship of Gaza

Hamas agreed to release all Israeli captives held in Gaza on Friday, after what it described as "in-depth consultations" with leadership ranks, Palestinian factions, and mediators

The announcement comes just hours after US President Donald Trump warned on his TruthSocial account that Hamas should "RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time". 

It also comes five days after Trump announced his 20-point plan for Gaza alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The movement announces its agreement to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met," Hamas said in a statement.

"In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this. The movement also renews its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support," the group added.

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