Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Mohammad Abu Shawesh, said that freeing hostages from Gaza would not be possible under current conditions because “it is a complicated war zone.” Speaking to CNN News18, he added that details of Hamas accepting US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan are still being discussed.
Hamas Acceptance and Pending Issues
“Hamas accepted the President Trump Plan, but details have to be discussed. They have an issue with Tony Blair’s name, but that can be discussed,” Shawesh explained. He also stressed that the Palestinian Authority supports unity among Palestinians. “Our official position has been one force of Palestine, so Hamas giving up weapons is our official position,” he said.
The envoy emphasized that any release of hostages requires a secure and stable environment. “Release of hostages cannot happen like that; it is a complicated war zone,” he noted.
India’s Role and Historical Ties
Shawesh praised India’s long-standing support for Palestine and its consistent stance on the two-state solution. “India and Palestine have historical relations. India supports a two-state solution and is a key pillar in the political arena,” he said, highlighting New Delhi’s diplomatic balance in the Middle East peace efforts.
Israel-Hamas War
Recent statements from Trump have raised hopes that Israel and Hamas may be closer than ever to ending the nearly two-year Gaza conflict. The war has devastated the enclave and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.
Trump is seen as the only world leader capable of pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward a ceasefire. On Friday, Hamas announced its approval for releasing “all occupation prisoners – both living and remains – according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange.”
Moreover, Hamas said it was prepared to hand over the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, supported by Arab and Islamic nations. However, the group also noted that some “other issues” in Trump’s plan would require further talks “within a unified Palestinian national framework.”
These unresolved points likely include Hamas’s disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and international guarantees for a lasting ceasefire.
Trump’s Proposal
Trump’s proposed peace plan calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners within 72 hours, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. It also outlines the disarmament of Hamas and the creation of a transitional authority led by Trump’s team.
The plan further seeks to increase humanitarian aid and rebuild Gaza, which has been left in ruins after months of bombardment. While many view the proposal as unfavourable to Hamas, it has gained broad international support, including from several Arab and Western nations.
Although Hamas has not agreed to disarm, its readiness to release hostages is considered a major step. The group has used 48 hostages as leverage during the war, and giving them up could significantly reduce its bargaining power in future negotiations.