US President Donald Trump said that negotiations to release hostages held by the radical Palestinian movement Hamas are progressing very well.
“The talks are underway right now. They started in the last few days. We'll see how they go, but I hear they're going very well“, Trump said during a meeting with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House.
On September 29, the White House presented the “comprehensive plan“ of the American leader aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. The document consists of 20 points. It calls for the imposition of temporary foreign rule in the Palestinian enclave and the deployment of international forces there. Israel has announced its agreement with this plan.
On October 3, Hamas presented a response to Trump's proposal to the mediators. The movement expressed its readiness to release all living Israeli hostages and hand over the bodies of the dead. However, Hamas Politburo member Musa Abu Marzouq expressed doubt that all hostages can be released within 72 hours, as required by the US president's plan.
A new round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas will be held on October 6 in Egypt.