Hamas Partially Accepts Trump Plan, Hostage Swap Possible

President Trump urged Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza after Hamas issued a statement partially accepting his 20-point peace plan and saying it is prepared to release hostages under the proposal’s exchange formula. Hamas signaled willingness to hand over Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian technocratic body and to negotiate through mediators, but it declined to commit to disarming and sought clarifications on timelines, Israeli withdrawal and guarantees. Hamas officials and mediators said the plan’s proposed 72-hour timeline was unrealistic and warned any handover of hostages or authority would depend on “field conditions.” International mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, were reported to be pressing Hamas to engage in negotiations. Despite the tentative step, coverage and video showed ongoing explosions and bombardment across Gaza, underscoring the fragility of an immediate ceasefire. Key security and political questions remain unresolved as discussions over the details of a hostage exchange and broader arrangements continue.