Hamas announced that it is ready to “immediately” begin negotiations for the release of all hostages, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The statement was delivered through mediators and is being viewed as a potential breakthrough after months of failed efforts to end the war.

The militant group, however, stopped short of unconditionally accepting the proposal. Hamas said it is prepared to negotiate through mediators and agreed in principle to transfer governance of Gaza to a “Palestinian authority of independents” based on national consensus, supported by Arab and Islamic countries.

President Trump welcomed the announcement, saying Hamas appears “ready for a lasting PEACE,” while calling on Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza to allow a safe release of the hostages.

The plan demands the release of the remaining 48 hostages within 72 hours and the transfer of power in Gaza — conditions once seen as red lines for Hamas. Their stated willingness to comply opens the door to possible international support for a ceasefire, though Hamas avoided committing to disarmament or to Trump’s proposed international “Board of Peace” oversight.