Hamas Offers Talks to Release Israeli Hostages

Hamas said it is ready to immediately enter mediated negotiations under President Trump’s Gaza proposal to secure the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and to hand Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian technocrats body, but stopped short of unconditionally accepting the plan. The group rejected elements of the proposal — including full disarmament, U.S. oversight via the proposed “Board of Peace,” and Trump’s 72‑hour return timeline — and said remaining issues must be resolved within a broader Palestinian national framework. President Trump hailed the statement, urged Israel to stop bombing so hostages could be freed safely, and set a short deadline for acceptance while mediators including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey reportedly pressed both sides. Families of hostages expressed cautious hope but deep skepticism given past failed deals and the prolonged emotional toll, and officials say about 48 hostages remain in Gaza, including two Americans believed to be dead. U.S. lawmakers warned that words must be followed by immediate action, and analysts say a finalized ceasefire and implementation of any deal remain far from certain.