Hamas agrees to release remaining hostages as talks set to resume

By Nathan Morley

Hamas has agreed to release all remaining hostages, but says further negotiations are needed on other aspects of a proposed peace deal.

Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz and Channel 12, report that negotiating teams have been instructed to prepare for renewed talks, with some told to be ready to “leave today,” although the location of the discussions remains unclear.

The development comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Hamas was ready to pursue a lasting peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is “preparing to immediately implement” the first phase of the plan.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it is preparing for the initial stage of the deal, but warned it may still need to respond rapidly to any emerging threats.

20-point proposal

On Monday, the Trump administration unveiled a 20-point proposal following talks in Washington with Netanyahu. The plan includes a ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement, a phased Israeli withdrawal, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and international oversight of reconstruction and governance in the territory once the conflict ends.

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza says at least 66 people have been killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in the Strip since 7 October to 67,074. A further 265 people were reported injured and have been admitted to hospitals across the territory.