Hamas has begun collecting the bodies of Israeli hostages killed in Gaza and told the United States it is prepared to disarm under ongoing ceasefire talks, a source in the Palestinian group said.
Hamas requested a pause in Israeli bombardments “to complete the task” of recovering bodies, following Israel’s suspension of operations over the weekend at U.S. President Donald Trump’s request. The source cited “American flexibility” on the timeline for returning bodies, noting Hamas may not meet Washington’s 72-hour deadline for releasing all hostages, particularly those killed.
The group reportedly agreed in principle to hand over its weapons to a “Palestinian-Egyptian authority under international supervision,” though this claim could not be independently verified. Hamas has previously insisted it would only disarm after a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.
Israel is set to send its negotiating team to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday to discuss the first phase of Trump’s “20-point plan,” beginning with a hostage exchange and partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks will cover the release of 48 hostages, coordination with the Red Cross, release of Palestinian prisoners, and IDF withdrawal lines.
Hamas may request a broader withdrawal than the “yellow line” map allows to retrieve hostages. Israel plans to release 250 of 280 life-term prisoners but exclude high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti, amid opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, with Prime Minister Netanyahu supporting their stance.
U.S. advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive on Tuesday. Trump called the initiative a “great deal” for Israel, with first-phase talks expected to last several days.
Trump warns Hamas of ‘complete obliteration’
Donald Trump on Sunday warned that Hamas will face “complete obliteration” if it does not let go of power and control of Gaza.
CNN quoted Trump as saying that he expects to know soon whether Hamas is committed to reaching peace. Trump was also asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is supportive of ending the bombing in Gaza and the broader vision of the United States. He said, “Yes on Bibi.”
Trump also said that he would not tolerate delays in trying for a peace deal between Hamas and Israel.
Further, Trump also urged Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” He also said that discussions on the details are currently going on.