Fact Check: Hamas willing to free hostages under any deal to end the war.

Fact Check: Hamas Willing to Free Hostages Under Any Deal to End the War

What We Know

The claim that "Hamas is willing to free hostages under any deal to end the war" reflects ongoing negotiations and statements made by Hamas regarding hostages held during the conflict. According to a report by Reuters, Hamas has expressed readiness to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a comprehensive deal that includes an end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This aligns with statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who emphasized the need for a deal that would ensure the return of hostages as part of the negotiations (NPR).

However, the situation is complex, as both sides have accused each other of violating terms of previous agreements. For instance, during a ceasefire agreement that began in January 2025, Hamas released some hostages, but Israel was accused of not fulfilling its part of the deal by failing to release the stipulated number of Palestinian prisoners (Wikipedia). This inconsistency raises questions about the reliability of Hamas's willingness to free hostages under any conditions.

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while Hamas has publicly stated its willingness to release hostages, this is contingent upon a broader agreement that includes significant concessions from Israel. The claim that Hamas is willing to free hostages "under any deal" may be misleading, as it implies an unconditional release, which is not supported by the available information. Hamas's willingness is tied to specific demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops and a halt to hostilities (Reuters).

The reliability of sources discussing Hamas's intentions varies. For example, while Reuters and NPR provide credible reporting based on official statements and negotiations, other sources, such as JForum, may exhibit bias or lack comprehensive context (JForum, JForum). This inconsistency in source reliability necessitates a cautious interpretation of the claim.

Moreover, the political landscape is fluid, with U.S. officials actively involved in mediating the conflict. The involvement of international players like the U.S. adds a layer of complexity, as their interests may influence the negotiations and the public statements made by both Hamas and Israel (Times of Israel).

Conclusion

The claim that Hamas is willing to free hostages under any deal to end the war is Partially True. While Hamas has indicated a readiness to release hostages, this willingness is not unconditional and is tied to broader negotiations that include significant demands from both sides. The situation remains dynamic, and the actual outcomes depend heavily on the evolving political and military context.