US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on a ceasefire for Gaza in Washington on Monday night. The detailed plan they made public prioritizes the release of the hostages. The condition for hostage release.
The third point of Trump’s ceasefire plan clearly states, ‘Hamas must release all Israeli hostages (living or dead) within 72 hours.’ The implication of this agreement is that if Hamas accepts Trump’s plan, the status of all hostages in Gaza must be made public within three days, regardless of whether they are ‘living or dead’. Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi is also among these hostages. He was taken captive by Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack. In exchange, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 other detainees. Furthermore, the fifth point mentions that for every deceased Israeli hostage, the bodies of 15 Gazans will be returned.
Hamas’s ‘Farewell Picture’ and Mounting Pressure
On October 20 last year, the armed wing of Hamas publicized a ‘farewell picture’ of 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The composite picture also included an image of Nepal’s Bipin Joshi, which had increased concerns about his condition. While releasing the picture, Hamas mentioned that the extensive ground and air attacks carried out by Israel had endangered the safety of the hostages. The ‘farewell picture’ was believed to have increased pressure on the Israeli government to stop the immediate attacks.
This new ceasefire plan will create pressure on Hamas to immediately and fully disclose information about the hostages.
Hamas’s Response
At a press conference, President Trump publicized the 20-point plan, proposing to stop the war in Gaza, remove all Hamas weapons, and form a temporary administrative board. Trump himself will chair this board.
However, Hamas has stated that it has not received a formal proposal and has already made it clear that it will not lay down its weapons. In this context, Trump has issued a stern warning, ‘If Hamas does not accept this, Israel has the full right to eliminate it, and America will support Israel in that.’
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has also stated that if Hamas does not comply, Israel itself will establish a peaceful administration in Gaza and remove all Hamas weapons.
While Trump’s plan aims to end the ongoing war in Gaza, return the hostages, and make the region terror-free, its future remains uncertain due to Hamas’s rejection.
