Hamas reiterates willingness to release all hostages in exchange for end of war, Israeli withdrawal

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and supporters attend a rally calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza in Jerusalem, September 3, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and supporters attend a rally calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza in Jerusalem, September 3, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

As Israel moves ahead with its preparations for an invasion of Gaza City, and US President Donald Trump demands that Hamas immediately release the living hostages it holds, the Gaza terror groups say in a statement that it is still waiting for Israel’s response to the ceasefire proposal they accepted two weeks ago.

Hamas stresses that it is ready “to enter into a comprehensive deal in which all enemy prisoners held by the resistance will be freed in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners held by the occupation.” Hamas refers to the hostages it holds as prisoners.

“This agreement will end the war on the Gaza Strip, result in the withdrawal of all occupation forces from the entire Gaza Strip, open the border crossings to allow the entry of all the Gaza Strip’s necessities and start the process of rebuilding,” Hamas continues.

The terror group emphasizes that it is ready to form “an independent national administration of technocrats” to run Gaza.

Israel has said it would only accept such a deal if Hamas surrenders and disarms.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.