Hamas Talks Peace, But Continues to Stall Release of Hostages
Hamas claims it’s ready to accept major parts of President Trump’s peace plan. Yet beneath the headlines lies the same old story: hedged language, endless caveats, and internal chaos. To the outside world, they nod “yes.” Internally, they scream “but…”—a classic refusal disguised as diplomacy.
After almost two years of bloodshed, kidnappings, and rocket attacks, Hamas still refuses to fully commit. They dangle the possibility of releasing hostages, yet insist on conditions that make any genuine peace impossible. This isn’t negotiation, it’s stalling, pure and simple.
Trump Releases Hamas Response
Important Statement
On Hamas’ Response to U.S. President Trump’s ProposalOut of keenness to end the aggression and genocide being carried out against our steadfast people in the Gaza Strip, and stemming from national responsibility, and in defense of the constants, rights, and higher interests of our people, the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has conducted in-depth consultations within its leadership institutions, broad consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, and consultations with brothers, mediators, and friends, in order to reach a responsible position in dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan.
After thorough study, the movement has made its decision and conveyed the following response to the mediators:
Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic. and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, the immediate entry of aid, the rejection of the occupation of the Strip, and the rejection of the displacement of our Palestinian people from it.
Within this framework, and in a manner that achieves an end to the war and a full withdrawal from the Strip, the movement announces its approval of releasing all occupation prisoners–both living and remains–according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange. In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details.
The movement also reaffirms its approval to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.
As for other issues included in President Trump’s proposal concerning the future of the Gaza Strip and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, this is tied to a collective national position and in accordance with relevant International laws and resolutions, to be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will be included and will contribute with full responsibility.
The Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas
Disarmament? Not a Chance
Trump’s plan demands Hamas disarm, hand over weapons, and release hostages within 72 hours. In theory, simple. In practice? Impossible. Hamas commanders inside Gaza fear losing control. Thousands of young fighters, fueled by loss and anger, refuse to surrender their small arms or abandon the fight. Their grip on Gaza is fractured, their hierarchy broken, yet they still cling to weapons as if defiance equals legitimacy.
Senior leaders like Khalil Al-Hayya and Ezzedin al-Haddad may support compromise, but their power is mostly on paper and symbolic. On the ground, it’s guerrilla warfare, fragmented units, and chaotic command. Hamas isn’t negotiating from strength—they’re negotiating from desperation, and they hope the world won’t notice.
Hostages Held Hostage by Hamas Itself
48 Israeli hostages hang in the balance. Trump’s plan is clear: release them within 72 hours of agreement. Hamas responds with delays, “further negotiations,” and conditions tied to Israeli withdrawal. Translation: they want to keep hostages as leverage, even while claiming to want peace.
This is moral bankruptcy, plain and simple. It’s manipulation masquerading as diplomacy. The international community shouldn’t be fooled by their “willingness” while lives remain in limbo.
Israel Cannot Risk a Half-Deal
Israel has agreed to Trump’s Gaza withdrawal line, preparing for the hostages’ safe return. But what happens if Hamas refuses to surrender fully? With disarmament unresolved and armed factions acting independently, Israel cannot trust half-measures. Accepting Hamas’s “yes, but” approach would risk leaving a terrorist regime in Gaza, ready to strike again.
This is not a theory. It’s history repeating itself: Hamas uses negotiations as cover to regroup, rearm, and exploit pauses in conflict. Any deal without enforceable terms is a ticking time bomb.
Stalling, Fragmentation, and a Dangerous Gamble
Hamas is battered, fragmented, financially strained, and desperate. Yet instead of seizing a path to peace, they double down on internal squabbles and tactical stalling. Their so-called “acceptance” of Trump’s plan is a smokescreen. The 72-hour truce becomes a lifetime of uncertainty, hostage threats, and more death.
Mediators warn: reject the plan, and international support evaporates. But for Hamas, leverage is life. Peace is optional; survival comes first—even if it costs the lives of civilians, hostages, and fighters alike.
Donald Trump on Truth Social (Oct 04, 2025, 1:02 PM)
After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!
Bottom Line
Hamas may say “yes,” but every action screams “no.” They are at war with themselves as much as they are at war with Israel. Words cannot be trusted, promises are meaningless, and hostages remain pawns.
The world deserves clarity: partial acceptance, endless caveats, and hollow commitments are not peace. They are the same chaos we’ve witnessed for decades—a “yes, but” that ensures conflict, not resolution.
It is now 12:26 am, Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Israel, and we are hours away from Trump’s deadline on Sunday, 6:00 pm EDT, and Hamas is waffling.
It is now a waiting game.
We are so screwed.
— Steve
