In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israel has confirmed its readiness to implement the initial stage of a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at securing the release of hostages and bringing an end to the war in Gaza. The announcement came from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the early hours of Saturday, October 4, 2025, signaling a potential turning point in the protracted conflict that has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread destruction.
The PMO issued a statement emphasizing Israel’s commitment to working closely with President Trump and his administration to achieve a resolution that aligns with Israel’s principles and Trump’s vision for peace. “We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trump’s vision,” the statement read. This marks a notable shift toward diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, which has been characterized by intense military engagements and significant humanitarian challenges.
The announcement follows a statement from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling Gaza, late on Friday night, October 3, 2025. Hamas expressed its willingness to release all hostages—both living and deceased—as part of Trump’s proposed exchange formula, provided that the necessary field conditions for the exchange are met. The group’s statement came as a response to Trump’s plan, which has been presented as a comprehensive framework to end the war, secure the release of hostages, and establish a pathway toward lasting peace in the region.
However, Hamas officials indicated that the 72-hour timeline outlined in the U.S. proposal for the release of hostages might be unrealistic given the current circumstances. Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, told Al Jazeera that the process of releasing both living hostages and the bodies of those killed would likely take longer than the stipulated 72 hours. “Such a deadline is unrealistic under the current circumstances,” Marzouk stated, citing logistical and security challenges in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Hamas’s response to Trump’s plan, delivered to mediators on Friday evening, also included a commitment to transfer governance of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian governing body elected through a process based on “Palestinian national consensus and with Arab and Islamic support.” Marzouk further promised that this handover would include the transfer of weapons from Hamas to the future Palestinian rulers, a significant concession that could pave the way for a demilitarized Gaza under a new governing structure.
President Trump, reacting to Hamas’s statement, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express optimism about the prospect of peace. “Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump wrote. His call for an immediate cessation of Israeli bombings underscores the urgency of creating a safe environment for the hostage release process and subsequent negotiations.
Hamas officials have described Trump’s response as “encouraging.” Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas spokesman, told AFP, “President Trump’s statements on the immediate cessation of Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip are encouraging.” He added that Hamas is prepared to begin negotiations immediately to achieve a prisoner exchange, end the war, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. This willingness to engage in dialogue suggests a potential opening for diplomacy, though significant challenges remain in reconciling the positions of Hamas and Israel.
Mediators, including Palestinian-American negotiator Bishara Bahbah, have already begun discussions with Hamas to address disputed aspects of Trump’s plan. Bahbah told Al Arabiya that Trump’s swift response to Hamas’s statement indicates that he likely did not consult with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before issuing his statement. This has raised questions about the level of coordination between the U.S. and Israeli governments, despite Israel’s insistence that the terms of the deal are final.
A political source in Jerusalem, speaking to N12 News, emphasized that Israel views the terms of Trump’s plan as non-negotiable. “There is full cooperation and coordination with the U.S., also regarding the timetable. We have passed the negotiation stage,” the source said. The source further clarified that Israel will not engage in renewed negotiations, suggesting that Jerusalem considers the proposal a done deal. However, the source acknowledged that the release of hostages might occur gradually rather than all at once, despite the U.S. insistence on a comprehensive release. “Despite reports about the plan that talks about releasing all the hostages, I believe we will see a gradual move here...This is the American insistence on releasing all the hostages together,” the source noted.
The involvement of President Trump has been a central factor in pushing the deal forward. A source involved in the negotiations told N12 that Trump has demanded direct involvement in the process, with the U.S. mobilizing significant resources to achieve a resolution. “Trump wants to end the war and return all the hostages,” the source said, highlighting the U.S. president’s personal investment in the outcome.
Hamas’s acceptance of the deal comes under significant pressure, including an ultimatum from Trump, who warned the group on Friday that it had until Sunday, October 5, 2025, to accept the proposal or face severe consequences. “Hamas had until Sunday to accept the deal or face ‘all HELL like no one has ever seen before,’” Trump stated, underscoring the high stakes of the negotiations. Additionally, Trump’s 20-point plan has garnered support from the leaders of several Islamic nations, including some of Hamas’s traditional allies, further increasing the pressure on the group to comply.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has voiced support for Trump’s initiative, describing it as an “unprecedented opportunity” to secure the release of hostages and end the war. In a statement, Lapid said, “President Trump is right that there is an unprecedented opportunity here to release the hostages and end the war. Israel should announce that it is joining discussions led by President Trump to close the final details regarding the deal.” Lapid also informed the U.S. administration that Netanyahu has the political backing to move forward with the process, signaling broad domestic support for the initiative within Israel.
Hamas has also indicated that other aspects of Trump’s proposal, particularly those concerning the future of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people, will be addressed within a “unified Palestinian national framework” in which Hamas will play a responsible role. The group emphasized that these discussions will be guided by international laws and resolutions, suggesting an effort to align the deal with broader Palestinian aspirations and global norms.
The Trump administration’s press secretary has characterized Hamas’s response as an acceptance of the deal, though some details remain under discussion. The combination of diplomatic pressure, international support, and the threat of consequences appears to have created a window for progress, though the complexity of the situation—marked by ongoing violence, logistical challenges, and deep-seated mistrust—means that implementation will require careful coordination.
As Israel prepares to move forward with the first phase of Trump’s plan, the international community is closely watching the developments. The prospect of a hostage release, a cessation of hostilities, and the establishment of a new governing framework in Gaza represents a potential breakthrough in a conflict that has long defied resolution. However, the success of the plan will depend on the ability of all parties to navigate the remaining hurdles, including the verification of field conditions, the timing of the hostage release, and the broader political implications for both Israel and the Palestinian territories.
In conclusion, Israel’s confirmation of its readiness to implement Trump’s 20-point plan, coupled with Hamas’s conditional acceptance, marks a critical juncture in the Gaza conflict. The coming days will be pivotal as mediators work to finalize the details and ensure that the conditions for a lasting peace are met. The involvement of the U.S., the support of regional leaders, and the willingness of both Israel and Hamas to engage in the process offer hope for a resolution, though the path ahead remains fraught with challenges.