Former President Donald Trump issued statements regarding the situation in Gaza, asserting his belief that Hamas was prepared for "a lasting PEACE" and urging Israel to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza." These comments followed an announcement by Hamas on Friday indicating its readiness to release Israeli hostages. However, the group specified its intent to negotiate elements of a peace plan proposed by President Trump earlier in the week.
In a video statement shared on Truth Social, Trump thanked several Arab and Muslim nations and expressed hope for the prompt return of the hostages. The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the families of those held, voiced support for Trump's call for Israel to halt bombing, describing it as "essential to prevent the serious and irreversible harm to the hostages." They also appealed to Prime Minister Netanyahu to initiate immediate and effective negotiations for the hostages' return.
Hamas stated its willingness to release hostages "according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, and as the field conditions for the exchange are met." The report concluded by noting that the precise meaning of "field conditions" and a timetable for the hostages' release remained undefined.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10/03/world/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza
