Hamas has agreed to key elements of President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, including the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and the handover of Gaza's administration to a Palestinian technocratic body, according to a statement released Friday, just hours after Trump issued a Sunday deadline.

The group stated it is ready to immediately enter negotiations through mediators to discuss the details of the exchange, provided "field conditions" are met, but did not commit to the plan's demand for its disarmament or the creation of an international oversight committee.

In response, Trump declared on Truth Social that Hamas is "ready for a lasting PEACE" and called on Israel to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!"

The Palestinian militant group announced its agreement to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula in Trump's proposal, contingent on the necessary field conditions being fulfilled. It confirmed its readiness to hand over the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on national consensus and with Arab and Islamic support.

However, Hamas stated that other points in the plan, particularly those concerning the future of Gaza and the rights of Palestinians, are still under discussion within a "comprehensive national Palestinian framework" and that it will contribute to this framework with full responsibility. The group did not address the establishment of the "Board of Peace" international oversight committee.

Trump had earlier issued an ultimatum, warning that if the agreement is not reached by Sunday, "all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas" and that "PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER" would be achieved.

Hamas press release:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Important Statement

Regarding Hamas's Response to the Proposal of U.S. President Trump

Out of concern to stop the aggression and the genocide being inflicted upon our steadfast people in the Gaza Strip, and based on national responsibility and a commitment to the principles, rights, and supreme interests of our people, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, conducted in-depth consultations within its leadership bodies, extensive consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, as well as discussions with brotherly mediators and friends, in order to reach a responsible position in dealing with the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

After thorough study, the movement has made its decision and has delivered the following response to the brotherly mediators:

(The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at halting the war on the Gaza Strip, achieving a prisoner exchange, allowing immediate entry of humanitarian aid, rejecting the occupation of the Strip, and opposing the displacement of our Palestinian people from it.

In this context, and in a manner that achieves an end to the war and the full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the movement announces its approval to release all prisoners of the occupation—both living and the bodies of the deceased—according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal, and with the provision of appropriate field conditions for carrying out the exchange process. In this regard, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations, through the mediators, to discuss the details.

The movement also reiterates its approval to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body composed of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.

As for the other issues included in President Trump's proposal that relate to the future of the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, these are subject to a comprehensive national position and must be based on relevant international laws and resolutions. These matters shall be discussed within a unified Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will participate and contribute with full responsibility.)

The Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas

Friday, 11 Rabi’ al-Akhir 1447 AH

Corresponding to: October 3, 2025 AD

Following Hamas's response, President Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, "I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE" and urging Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza to ensure the safe and swift extraction of hostages. He emphasized that the situation was "far too dangerous" for such an operation while bombing continues.

Trump in video posted to Truth Social later, also thanked Middle Eastern leaders and countries involved in crafting the 20-point peace plan. "We have to get the final word down in concrete," he said.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement confirming Israel's preparation to implement the first stage of the plan. The office stated that Israel is working in full cooperation with the U.S. to end the war in accordance with principles set forth by Israel, which are consistent with Trump's vision.

"In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages," the statement said.

The 20-point plan, unveiled by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 48 Israeli hostages (20 believed alive) within 72 hours, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in exchange. It also proposes the destruction of Hamas's infrastructure, the establishment of a temporary International Stabilization Force led by Arab partners, and the eventual creation of a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza.

The plan has been met with mixed reactions; while regional mediators like Egypt and Qatar welcomed Hamas's response as a "positive development" and a potential breakthrough, Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, despite agreeing to the framework.

The conflict began after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly killed at least 66,288 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. And the United Nations has declared that Israeli military is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove his car into pedestrians outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday, at about at 09:31 a.m. local time, during Yom Kippur services, before stabbing bystanders. He was shot dead by police at the scene after a seven-minute response time, with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirming the incident was a terrorist attack.

Two people, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed, and three others sustained serious injuries, including one who was stabbed and another struck by the vehicle. One of the deceased could have been accidentally shot by police, according to a Chief Constable.

GMP confirmed the attack was a terrorist incident, with al-Shamie being the sole attacker. He was shot dead after attempting to enter the synagogue, but was prevented from gaining access by security staff and worshippers, including Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was commended for his actions. A suspicious device he was wearing was assessed and found not to be viable.

Al-Shamie, who entered the UK as a child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, was identified through a photo verified by the BBC and video footage from the scene. He was wearing a vest that appeared to be an explosive device, which was later confirmed to be non-viable. Three suspects—two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s—were arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.

Al-Shamie was on bail following an arrest on suspicion of rape, a fact confirmed by multiple police sources and media outlets. No previous referrals to the Prevent counterterrorism program were made for the attacker.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, stating the suspect "attacked Jews because they are Jews" and vowed to increase police presence at synagogues across the UK to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. He returned early from a summit in Denmark to address the situation and visited an unnamed synagogue.

The U.S. Air Force has reactivated the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, marking the first permanent deployment of MQ-9A Reaper drones on the Korean Peninsula.

The MQ-9 Reaper, a turboprop-powered unmanned aerial vehicle, has a range exceeding 2,575 kilometers(km) and can remain airborne for over 24 hours, enabling extended ISR missions. It is capable of carrying AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-54 laser-guided bombs for combat roles.

The unit, which was originally formed in 1943 as the 431st Fighter Squadron during World War II, was reactivated on Sept. 28,, to serve as a tenant unit under the 8th Fighter Wing, known as “the Wolf Pack.” Commanded by Lt. Col. Douglas J. Slater, the squadron is tasked with enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across the Indo-Pacific theater, supporting U.S.-South Korea alliance priorities.

The 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is the first permanent MQ-9 Reaper unit stationed in South Korea, replacing previous rotational deployments of the drone. The activation signifies a strategic shift to maintain a persistent aerial surveillance presence in the region.

The squadron’s location at Kunsan Air Base allows it to monitor North Korea, the Yellow Sea, and areas extending into eastern China, including major cities like Beijing and Shanghai Its reach also covers the East China Sea and Taiwan, approximately 1,287 km away.

The 431st was first activated in 1943 in Australia, flying P-38 Lightning fighters as bomber escorts in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It later relocated to Seoul in 1945 before being deactivated in 1949. It was reactivated in 1952 as an air defense squadron and later served as a test and evaluation unit for the F-111 Aardvark until its inactivation in 1992.

The reactivation comes alongside other strategic moves, including the relocation of 31 F-16 fighter jets from Kunsan to Osan Air Base, closer to the Demilitarized Zone, to form a “super squadron” and increase combat readiness.

The U.S. military has not disclosed the number of Reapers or personnel assigned to the squadron, citing security concerns. The unit’s activation underscores the U.S. commitment to regional security amid rising tensions and North Korea’s continued missile testing.