Special Coverage: Hamas Agrees To Release Israeli Hostages

Hamas agreed to release the last of the hostages from its 2023 attack on Israel but said the rest of a US peace plan would be subject to negotiation, a stance that offered uncertain hopes for an end to the conflict in Gaza.

President Donald Trump responded favorably to the Hamas statement even though the group failed to address other key elements of his 20-point proposal that Israel has also demanded, including that it disarm. He called on Israel to stop its bombing campaign and said discussions were underway on “details to be worked out,” suggesting that he was willing to give Hamas some leeway.

“I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump said of Hamas in a social media post. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”

In a subsequent video post, Trump thanked the Muslim-majority nations he credited with assisting in the negotiations and pledged that “everybody will be treated fairly” in ongoing talks.

“This is a big day,” Trump said. “We’ll see how it all turns out — we have to get the final word down in concrete.”

For instant reaction and analysis, Bloomberg Balance of Power host Joe Mathieu speaks with:

- Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York
- Bloomberg News State Department and Foreign Policy Reporter Eric Martin
- Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman

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