Trump: Only Destruction of Hamas Will Free Hostages as Mediators Push Ceasefire Deal
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## Worthy Christian News > Wars and Rumors of Wars > Trump: Only Destruction of Hamas Will Free Hostages as Mediators Push Ceasefire Deal
# Trump: Only Destruction of Hamas Will Free Hostages as Mediators Push Ceasefire Deal
__Monday, August 18, 2025 |__Tag Cloud Tags: Hamas, Israel, Trump | Learn about our FREE SYNDICATION Service | Sign up for our Worthy Briefs! | Printer Friendly
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
WASHINGTON / CAIRO / JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the only path to securing the release of hostages held in Gaza is through the complete defeat of Hamas, even as Arab mediators reported progress on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump insisted that hostages would not be freed until Hamas was destroyed. He added that he had previously negotiated the release of “hundreds” of hostages, while also highlighting his claimed record of halting six global conflicts in six months and striking Iran’s nuclear facilities. He urged Israel to take a hard line, warning that nations must “play to win, or don’t play at all.”
## Mediators Push Ceasefire and Hostage Deal
At the same time, reports from Qatari broadcaster Al-Araby TV indicated that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire-hostage release proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The plan would see an immediate 60-day truce, with Hamas releasing 10 living hostages and 15 bodies in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
### Key Points of Ceasefire Proposal
* **Truce:** 60-day pause in fighting
* **Hostage Release:** 10 living captives + 15 bodies freed
* **Prisoner Exchange:** 150 Palestinian prisoners released
* **Next Phase:** Further negotiations during the truce to secure the release of all hostages and explore a permanent ceasefire
* **Mediators:** Egypt & Qatar leading talks with Palestinian factions
Sources: Al-Araby TV, Al-Arabiya, Times of Israel
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