Kathmandu. Significant breakthroughs have been made in resolving the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza. Hamas has partially accepted a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump and agreed to release all Israeli hostages in Gaza.
“We are ready to release all hostages, living and dead, under appropriate conditions, in accordance with the exchange guidance specified in President Trump’s proposal,” Hamas said in a statement. Hamas said it was ready to hold further discussions through mediators “immediately” to finalise the details of the hostage swap.
However, Hamas has made it clear that some of the points in the peace proposal require further talks. In particular, the future governance of Gaza and the greater rights of the Palestinian people should be further discussed within the national framework with the support of Arab and Islamic countries. The group also pledged to play a responsible role in managing Gaza’s transitional regime.
Immediately after the Hamas agreement, President Trump publicly called on Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza. “I believe they (Hamas) are ready for a lasting peace,” Trump said on his social media. In order to get the hostages out safely and quickly, Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza. It was the first public call by President Trump to halt military action in Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed surprise at Trump’s intervention. Israeli officials have indicated that they have not committed to a ceasefire but are preparing to implement the first phase of a hostage release plan. Tensions continue in Gaza as military action continues. Israeli intelligence estimates that around 48 hostages are in Hamas custody, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Trump gave Hamas until Sunday to approve a comprehensive peace plan. He warned of “unprecedented action” against Hamas if there was no consensus.
The proposed peace plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional transitional government supported by international bodies. Hamas has not yet accepted the terms of disarmament, which has become a major obstacle to peace talks.
The coming days will be decisive. Whether this weak diplomatic success can ensure an end to the devastating conflict and the safe return home of the hostages remains to be seen.
