Under the Wire: Hamas Meets Trump’s Deadline, Agrees to Peace Framework

Just under the wire, Hamas has met a critical deadline set by Donald Trump, agreeing on Saturday to a framework for peace that includes the release of all Israeli hostages. The decision came in response to Trump’s ultimatum, which gave the group until Sunday evening to accept his 20-point proposal or face severe repercussions.
In its official response, Hamas stated it was ready to enter “immediately” into mediated negotiations to discuss the specifics of the deal. The core of the agreement revolves around an exchange: the freedom of all hostages for a complete end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Palestinian territories.
A significant concession within the framework is Hamas’s agreement on the future governance of the Gaza Strip. The group has consented to a plan where a “Palestinian body of independents (technocrats)” would assume administrative control. This is a critical step toward establishing a stable, post-conflict government with regional and international backing.
The acceptance, however, is tiered. Hamas made it clear that while the immediate ceasefire and hostage exchange are agreed upon, other long-term political issues mentioned in Trump’s plan are not yet settled. These matters, pertaining to Palestinian rights and the final status of Gaza, will be subject to a “comprehensive Palestinian national framework” for discussion.
Reacting to the positive response, Trump moved quickly to de-escalate the situation, calling on Israel to halt its bombing campaign. “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” he posted on Truth Social, adding that a stop to the bombing was essential for the safe recovery of the hostages. The world now waits to see how quickly these terms can be put into action.