Clock Ticking: Hamas Agrees to Deal Moments Before Trump’s Deadline Expired

With the clock ticking down, Hamas has agreed to the core demands of a peace deal proposed by Donald Trump, moments before a Sunday evening deadline was set to expire. The group announced on Saturday its commitment to release all Israeli hostages, a pivotal move that came in response to Trump’s high-pressure ultimatum.
The former president had warned of “all hell” if his 20-point plan was not accepted, a threat that appears to have forced a breakthrough. Hamas’s statement confirmed it would free all captives in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war, and that it was prepared for immediate, mediated negotiations.
A major element of the last-minute agreement is the future governance of Gaza. Hamas has consented to a provision to transfer administrative power to a body of “independents (technocrats),” which would be formed with Palestinian national consensus and regional backing, paving the way for a new political era.
While accepting the urgent humanitarian and security terms, Hamas indicated that its approval is not absolute. The group’s statement noted that other, more complex political issues within the Trump plan would require further consultation and would be addressed through a “comprehensive Palestinian national framework.”
Reacting swiftly, Trump declared the crisis had turned a corner, stating his belief that Hamas is “ready for a lasting PEACE.” He immediately directed Israel to cease its bombing to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages, capitalizing on the momentum generated by his deadline diplomacy.