President Trump Urges Release Of Segara 20 Hostages In Gaza, Hamas Ready And Waiting For Israeli Response

Release of Israeli hostages. (Source: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - Palestinian militant group Hamas said it was ready to release all hostages, as well as wait for Israel's response, as US President Donald Trump urged the release of all hostages immediately.

President Trump on Wednesday urged Hamas to immediately release the hostages in Gaza, warning "the situation will change quickly."

"Tell Hamas to immediately return all 20 hostages (Not 2, 5, or 7!), and the situation will change quickly. IT WILL END!" wrote President Trump on his Truth Social account, quoted from Anadolu September 4.

President Trump did not specify what steps he would take if the hostages were released or "final" what he meant.

Separately, Hamas said in a statement that he was still waiting for Israel's response to the August 18 mediation proposal, calling for the release of 10 of the 20 hostages believed to be still alive, quoted from Ynetnews.

The group added that it is ready for a full exchange: "the release of all Israeli prisoners in exchange for a number of agreed Palestinian prisoners, based on agreements that would end the fighting, withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza, open crossings, and begin reconstruction."

It is known that about 250 hostages were taken to Gaza after a cross-border attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Tel Aviv estimates there are still 50 Israeli hostages in Gaza, including 20 people who are still alive.

Meanwhile, human rights groups say more than 10,800 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons under torture, hunger, and medical neglect.