On the evening of October 3, Hamas sent an official response to the intermediaries, thanking President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the conflict but asking for some clear explanations, including the deadline for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, clarifying defense weapons and attacks as well as guarantees for a end to the war.
In order to end the conflict and ensure a complete withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas has announced an "agreement to release all prisoners, both survivors and the remains of the deceased, according to the exchange formula stated in President Trump's proposal".
"On other issues in President Trump's proposal regarding the future of Gaza and the basic rights of the Palestinian people, these issues are closely linked to a comprehensive national stance, based on relevant laws and international resolutions, and will be discussed within the framework of a comprehensive Palestinian state, of which Hamas will be a part and will contribute with full responsibility," Hamas' statement stated.
On October 3, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, told reporters, "In principle, we agree with the main sketches of the plan, but implementation requires negotiations. The plan cannot be implemented without negotiations".
This is a sign that Hamas wants to negotiate further before signing a 20-point peace deal proposed by President Trump.
He added that releasing hostages within 72 hours was not practical under current conditions. In recent weeks, Hamas has lost contact with several other militant groups that are holding several hostages.
20 of the 48 hostages held by Hamas are believed to be alive.
The announcement from Hamas on October 3 was made in the context that President Trump had previously announced that Hamas had until 6:00 p.m. on October 5 to support the 20-point peace plan that the US and Israel agreed earlier this week. If Hamas misses the deadline, "everything will get worse, unprecedented".
President Trump's peace plan, if approved, would see all 48 hostages returned and the president would chair a "Peace Council" to oversee the interim management of Gaza. The aid will be sent to Gaza, a stable force led by the Arabs will quickly maintain stability. Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the ground but still maintain a security buffer zone around Gaza. Hamas will lose its weapons and permanently abandon its leadership role in Gaza.
