New twist in the Gaza crisis: Hamas' liberation pledge, Trump's peace plan and Israel's military restraint
New twist in the Gaza crisis: Hamas' liberation pledge, Trump's peace plan and Israel's military restraint
Saturday, October 4, 2025—A bright streak has suddenly appeared in the political sky of the Middle East. Hamas has responded positively to the peace plan led by US President Donald Trump amid the nearly two-year-old Gaza conflict. Hamas said it agreed to release all Israeli hostages, but wanted further talks on some key aspects of the plan. As a result, Trump ordered Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza, so that the hostages could be safely released. Meanwhile, new orders have been issued restricting the Israeli army to defensive operations only, and the 'occupation' of Gaza City has been suspended. These developments have opened the door to a hope for lasting peace in the Middle East, although many questions remain unresolved.
Crisis background: Shadow of war since 7 October 2023
The Gaza conflict has deep roots. On October 7, 2023, a Hamas-led surprise attack in Israel killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Gaza has been reduced to rubble in this war—hospitals, schools, homes, everything is in ruins. According to the United Nations, more than 750,000 people have been displaced in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis has reached its peak due to lack of food and water.
In this crisis, Trump's 20-point peace plan has come as a ray of light. It was unveiled earlier in the week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The plan includes: an immediate cease-fire, the release of 48 hostages by Hamas (20 of whom are believed to be alive), the release of 1,700 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, disarmament of Hamas and Gaza's rule, and the formation of a 'peace board' to be chaired by Trump and include international figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The board would run Gaza's interim regime, ensuring no Palestinians are expelled and international aid for reconstruction.
Hamas's response: promise of liberation, but conditional consent
In an official statement Friday morning, Hamas said it agreed to release all Israeli hostages—living and dead—according to the 'exchange formula' of Trump's plan. It included 20 living hostages and the bodies of the dead. In return they demand the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. However, Hamas has made it clear that further discussions are needed on the future governance of Gaza and the rights of Palestinians. They said these would be discussed 'within a national framework', in which Hamas and other Palestinian groups would participate. In this position of Hamas, they have not directly supported Israel's main demands, such as disarmament and withdrawal from the Gaza regime.
This statement came after pressure from Trump. He posted on Truth Social on Friday morning, "If this last chance deal is not accepted, the hell that will unfold against Hamas is unprecedented. Peace will come to the Middle East, one way or another." He gave Hamas until 6pm (Washington time) on Sunday (October 5). In response to Hamas, Trump said, "Based on Hamas' statements, I believe they are ready for a lasting peace. Israel must stop bombing Gaza immediately, so that the hostages can get out safely. We are already in detailed discussions."
Israel's move: Defensive operations and occupation of Gaza City suspended
Within hours of Hamas's statement, the Israeli political leadership issued new orders to the army. According to information from Army Radio and Cannes Public Broadcaster, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will be limited to defensive operations in Gaza. The operation to 'occupy' Gaza City has been suspended, and overall operations have been reduced to a 'minimum' level. "Israel is ready to implement the first phase of Trump's plan—the immediate release of all hostages—in light of Hamas's response," Netanyahu's office said.
The decision was a result of Trump's pressure and Israel-US Night Talks. "We will end the war in coordination with the president and his team, which is consistent with Israel's policy and Trump's vision," Netanyahu said. However, six people were reported killed in an Israeli drone attack on Gaza City on Saturday morning, although the intensity of the bombardment has not completely stopped. It shows that there are still obstacles in the way of peace.
International response: support and caution
Trump's plan has been welcomed internationally. "All parties must seize this opportunity to end the tragic conflict in Gaza," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "Hamas' consent is a significant step, which must be implemented without delay." French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter, "The release of all hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza is now possible!" "This is the best chance for peace after two years," said German Chancellor Friedrich Marz.
Support also came from the Arab world. Countries such as Qatar, Egypt and Jordan are active in mediation. Trump thanked Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt for their role. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Trump's leadership. However, the Palestinian Authority (rulers of the West Bank) has said the plan requires further reforms for Palestinian sovereignty.
Challenges and the future: How easy is the path to peace?
Although these developments are promising, the challenges are many. Within Hamas, there are differences between the political and military wings—the political wing is willing to compromise, but the military wing does not want to give up arms. Israel is under pressure from Netanyahu's coalition, which wants the complete elimination of Hamas. A lack of aid to Gaza and the cost of reconstruction (which exceeds $50 billion) are further complicating matters.
According to the United Nations, the plan, if successful, will change the lives of 2 million people in Gaza. But experts say it is not just a cease-fire, but the question of a Palestinian state must be raised for long-term peace. Demands for a 1967 border and a two-state solution are still strong.
: A glimmer of hope, but caution is necessary
This turn in the Gaza crisis could usher in a new chapter in the history of the Middle East. Hamas' promise of liberation, Trump's diplomatic pressure and Israel's military restraint seem to have come together to open the door to peace. But whether it will be permanent will depend on the outcome of the upcoming negotiations. The eyes of the international community are now on Cairo and Doha—where indirect talks are about to begin. This peace is not just an agreement, but the beginning of a new life for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. Let's hope that instead of bloodshed, dialogue wins this time.
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