Hamas Signals Readiness for Talks After Trump’s Ultimatum on Gaza Hostages

Hamas announced on Sunday that it is prepared to “immediately sit at the negotiating table” following what it described as “some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.”

The statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump declared he had given Hamas his “last warning” to accept a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

“The Hamas Movement welcomes any initiative that supports efforts to end the aggression against our people, and affirms its readiness to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners,” the group said.

As part of its conditions, Hamas demanded “a clear declaration of the end of the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage the Gaza Strip, which would begin its duties immediately.”

Earlier, Trump wrote on social media: “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning.”

According to Israeli officials, Hamas militants took 251 hostages during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Of that number, 47 are still in Gaza. The Israeli military says 25 of them are dead, and Israel is demanding the return of their remains.