Hamas accepts parts of Trump peace deal to end Gaza war, including release of hostages

Hamas said Friday it could accept parts of a Trump administration peace deal to end the war in Gaza, including the release of Israeli hostages living and dead, according to The Associated Press.

This is the first public response since President Trump laid out a Sunday deadline that promised “HELL” if Hamas rejected the deal. 

Hamas said other elements of Trump’s 20-point peace plan would require further consultation, The Associated Press reported.   

The Hill has reached out to Hamas but did not receive an immediate response. A request for comment from Israel was also not immediately answered. 

Trump on Friday demanded Hamas accept the full proposal and gave a deadline of Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT to receive a response. He warned he would give Israel a green light to scale up its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which is currently focused on a full assault on Gaza City. 

Trump’s 20-point plan, unveiled Monday, demands Hamas lay down its arms and enter into an immediate ceasefire with Israel. Hamas fighters who renounce fighting and wish to remain in Gaza will be granted amnesty while others can take advantage of safe passage to third countries. 

Trump had given Hamas 72 hours to hand over hostages it kidnapped from Israel during its Oct 7, 2023, terrorist attack. This is said to include 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased hostages. 

Israel is also set to release Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails as part of the truce and in return for hostages. 

A ceasefire respected by both sides would also allow for a surge of humanitarian support into the Gaza Strip, where more than 1 million Palestinians are enduring hunger and displacement.