Hamas has conditionally agreed to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal, offering to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, under a mediated exchange framework.
The Palestinian Islamist militant group, however, stopped short of pledging full disarmament, exposing its internal divisions over the plan’s long-term implications and the future of Hamas itself.
Israel begins implementation of Gaza peace plan
Israel has begun implementing the first phase of the proposal agreed between Trump and Netanyahu, focusing on the exchange of hostages, while scaling back some military operations in Gaza City. Despite Trump’s appeal for an immediate halt to airstrikes, Israeli forces continued limited bombardments overnight and into Saturday.
Other Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, have endorsed Hamas’ conditional acceptance. Egypt, which has served as a key mediator, has called on Hamas to fully comply with the deal’s terms, including disarmament provisions. Diplomats are now racing to meet the 72-hour timeline for the hostage release, though officials on both sides acknowledge logistical obstacles and potential delays to the optimistic deadline.
The Flotilla saga and Europe’s growing discontent with Israel
European Union leaders have responded to the developments with cautious optimism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Hamas’ conditional acceptance as “encouraging” and urged both parties to “seize this opportunity for peace.” French President Emmanuel Macron and other senior European figures echoed this sentiment, while stressing the need for unrestricted aid deliveries and the protection of civilians within Gaza.
At the same time, several European officials have criticized Israel’s continued air operations despite Trump’s call for restraint. Growing civil society pressure across the continent has fueled mass protests demanding a permanent stop to hostilities and a renewed diplomatic push for a political solution.
Meanwhile, Greece is trying to balance its stance between defending humanitarian principles and maintaining its security partnership with Israel.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece noted on Saturday that “Hamas’s statement is an important step forward. Hostages must be released immediately and all hostilities must stop,” adding that Greece “remains steadfast in supporting efforts aimed at restoring stability and promoting lasting peace and security in the region.”
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