(MENAFN) Palestinian militant group Hamas announced its willingness to release all Israeli hostages and engage in negotiations to finalize the handover process. The group also expressed its intention to transfer control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian authority.

In a statement on Friday, Hamas clarified that its decision followed a "thorough study" of the 20-point proposal put forth by US President Donald Trump earlier this week. The plan includes provisions for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, an exchange of hostages for prisoners, a gradual Israeli pullback from Gaza, and the establishment of a transitional international administration.

“We formally announce our agreement to release all prisoners of the occupation, both alive and deceased, as per the exchange formula outlined in President Trump’s proposal,” Hamas said.

Hamas also confirmed its readiness to immediately enter negotiations via mediators to work out the specifics of the deal, stressing their commitment to peaceful discussions.

Additionally, the group indicated its openness to transferring governance of Gaza to a "Palestinian body of independents," composed of technocrats, and operating with both national consensus and support from Arab and Islamic nations.

Although Hamas did not clearly endorse or dismiss other elements of the Trump plan, including the call for its full disarmament, the group stated that these remaining issues would be tackled within a broader Palestinian national framework, where Hamas would play an active and responsible role.

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