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Hamas on Friday announced it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or deceased, under the terms of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, and expressed readiness to immediately enter mediated talks to finalise the details, reported news agency Reuters.In the statement, Hamas said it agreed “to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal” – if the proper conditions for the exchanges are met.The announcement came shortly after Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that unless it agreed to a peace deal with Israel by Sunday 6 pm Washington DC time, unprecedented consequences would follow.
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Also Read | ‘Stop bombing Gaza’: Trump to Israel as Hamas agrees to free hostages; urges peace “An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US president urged Palestinians to leave Gaza’s conflict-hit areas, which have faced continuous Israeli bombardment since the October 7 attacks. “I am asking that all innocent Palestinians immediately leave this area of potentially great future death for safer parts of Gaza. Everyone will be well cared for by those that are waiting to help. Fortunately for Hamas, however, they will be given one last chance!” he said. Trump also highlighted his 20-point Gaza peace plan, which he claimed had been agreed upon by Israel, the US and regional powers. He described it as a historic breakthrough that would end centuries of bloodshed in the region. “Great, powerful, and very rich Nations of the Middle East, and the surrounding areas beyond, together with the United States of America, have agreed, with Israel signing on, to PEACE, after 3000 years, in the Middle East. THIS DEAL ALSO SPARES THE LIVES OF ALL REMAINING HAMAS FIGHTERS! The details of the document are known to the WORLD, and it is a great one for ALL! We will have PEACE in the Middle East one way or the other. The violence and bloodshed will stop. RELEASES THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW!” Trump declared.UN also welcomed Hamas’s announcement and expressed encouragement over Hamas’s readiness to release hostages and engage in negotiations. “The Secretary-General welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. He urged all parties to seize this opportunity to end the tragic conflict and protect civilians.On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on Israel, marking the most significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.The assault commenced during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah and involved a barrage of over 4,000 rockets, along with coordinated incursions by land, air, and sea. Hamas militants breached the Gaza-Israel barrier at 119 locations, infiltrating 21 Israeli communities, including Be’eri, Kfar Aza, and Alumim.The attackers targeted military installations and civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,195 individuals, comprising 736 Israeli civilians, 79 foreign nationals, and 379 security personnel. Additionally, approximately 250 individuals were taken hostage to Gaza, including civilians and soldiers. The assault also led to widespread destruction, with numerous homes and infrastructure damaged or destroyed. This unprecedented attack has significantly intensified the ongoing conflict, leading to severe humanitarian consequences and drawing widespread international attention.
