Trump on his Hostage Deal Proposal: Israel agreed - Netanyahu Says "we are Considering"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday evening that Israel is "considering" a new proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, shortly afterward, Trump contradicted Netanyahu, stating publicly that Israel has already accepted the terms of the proposed agreement.

According to Trump, the outline would see all 48 living hostages released on the first day, in exchange for the mass release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences. The proposal also stipulates a suspension of IDF military operations in Gaza, while indirect negotiations continue on the broader terms for ending the war.

Discrepancy Between U.S. and Israeli Statements

The apparent contradiction between Netanyahu's and Trump’s statements has created confusion. The Israeli prime minister's cautious wording came despite the fact that Israeli officials were involved in crafting the proposal in real-time, and had previously said that if Hamas rejected it, Israel would gain international legitimacy for resuming the Gaza City operation.

Adding to the tension, the Hostage Families Forum urged Israel to accept the proposal without delay or reservations, citing the urgency of the captives’ lives.

Hamas Response Unclear – But Open to Talks

While Israeli officials estimate that Hamas is likely to reject the new proposal, sources close to the group told Ynet that Hamas "is not ruling it out." The organization is reportedly seeking clarifications on key points, particularly regarding whether high-profile prisoners—such as Marwan Barghouti—will be included in the release.

Hamas has not made any official statement on the proposal and has not rejected it outright. Analysts suggest this could be a strategic delay aimed at postponing a renewed Israeli operation in Gaza City.

Strategic Risks for Hamas

Despite receiving significant concessions—such as the release of thousands of prisoners and the halting of military operations—Hamas would lose most of its negotiating leverage once the hostages are freed. From that point, it would have to rely primarily on U.S. diplomatic pressure to secure its demands, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

This risk may be why Netanyahu said Sunday night that “Hamas will probably refuse.”

Trump's "Final Warning" to Hamas

Attempting to pressure Hamas, President Trump issued a stern warning, declaring:

“Everyone wants the hostages home. Everyone wants the war to end. The Israelis accepted my proposal, and it’s time for Hamas to do the same. I warned Hamas of the consequences if it does not agree, and this is my final warning. There will not be another one.”

Trump's administration is reportedly invested in achieving a breakthrough deal that could end the war, secure the hostages' return, and begin long-term discussions on the demilitarization of Gaza.

What Comes Next?

Should the deal be accepted by all sides, negotiations would shift toward resolving the core dispute:

• Israel's position: Demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, continued IDF freedom of operation, and control of the security perimeter.

• Hamas' position: A complete IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and guarantees for political sovereignty.

As of now, the proposal remains unconfirmed and unresolved, with both sides weighing political, military, and humanitarian consequences.