Hamas has agreed to release the last of the hostages from its 2023 attack on Israel, but said the rest of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan would be subject to negotiation.

The statement was a positive step that still raised questions about whether the promise would be sufficient to end a conflict that began with Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.

Hamas did not address other key elements of Mr Trump’s proposal that Israel has also demanded, including that the group disarm.

Mr Trump responded favourably. “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” he said in a social media post. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”

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The Israeli military intercepted the last boat in an aid flotilla attempting to reach blockaded Gaza on Oct 3, a day after stopping most of the vessels and detaining some 450 activists including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said the Marinette was intercepted some 42.5 nautical miles (79km) from Gaza.

Israeli army radio said the navy had taken control of the last ship in the flotilla, detained those aboard and that the vessel was being led to Ashdod port in Israel.

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