UN Chief Encouraged as Hamas Signals Hostage Release

A child cleans a temporary shelter in Gaza.

Hamas leadership said late on Friday it was willing to release Israeli hostages in response to a United States peace proposal to end the war in Gaza, provided further negotiations take place through mediators on key details.

The group’s statement also indicated readiness to hand over administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body as part of a lasting deal to end the fighting, based on “Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support.”

In response, President Trump – who has the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many world leaders for the 20-point plan – urged Israel via social media to stop bombing Gaza, saying he believed the group was “ready for a lasting peace.”

Hamas described the US President's remarks as “encouraging” and reiterated its willingness to negotiate further, according to reports.

“The Secretary-General welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage on the basis of the recent proposal by US President Donald J. Trump,” read a statement issued on behalf of UN chief António Guterres by his spokesperson.

“He urges all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.”

Mr Guterres also thanked Qatar and Egypt for “their invaluable mediation work” alongside the US.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his consistent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access,” the statement continued.

He underlined that the UN would support all efforts towards ending the war “to prevent even more suffering.”

Earlier on Friday, before Hamas issued its response, UN relief chief Tom Fletcher said the organisation was ready to act on the “window of opportunity” provided by the US initiative.

Around 170,000 metric tonnes of food, medicine, shelter and other desperately needed supplies are on standby, awaiting entry into Gaza from across the region.

Mr Fletcher stressed that Israeli-controlled crossings would need to open, with safe movement for civilians and aid workers, unrestricted entry of goods, visas for staff, and space for humanitarian operations, as well as steps to revive the private sector.

Meanwhile, UN aid teams warned that conditions in northern Gaza are rapidly deteriorating, as Israel presses its military offensive to seize full control of Gaza City, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians trapped.

“Military operations and heavy strikes hitting residential areas and buildings are driving up the death toll and continue to wreak havoc on the area,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York.