Hamas signals readiness for prisoner swap after Trump remarks

Hostage memorial in Tel Aviv as bodies returned under ceasefire, Feb 20, 2025
Reuters

Hamas on Wednesday said it is ready for a comprehensive Gaza deal involving the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his calls for Hamas to release all hostages, saying Israel’s military campaign in Gaza could end if the group complied.

“Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Negotiations on a possible exchange have repeatedly stalled. Trump has positioned himself as a mediator, but his remarks underscored the continuing divide.

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