Hamas's statement inspired optimism for an end to the war, but did not address several elements of the plan that it has deemed unacceptable.

Hamas said on Friday that it was ready to release all of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the bodies of those who had died, but made clear there was still much more to negotiate.

The group embraced parts of President Trump's peace plan while not addressing some specific elements it previously refused, including a requirement that the group disarm. Mr. Trump, who aggressively pushed Hamas and Israel to accept his plan, said the development had brought a cease-fire in Gaza closer than ever, and he demanded that Israel stop bombing the enclave.

But many questions remained, and it was not immediately clear whether both sides would be able to take the final steps needed to end the nearly two-year-old war that has brought immense civilian suffering in Gaza. Interviews with Palestinians in the enclave have indicated wide support for the proposal, hopeful that it could finally deliver relief from an Israeli campaign that has killed more than 60,000 Gazans.

What did Hamas say?

In a statement on Friday, Hamas said it would release all of the hostages held in Gaza and the bodies of those who had died "according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal, and as the field conditions for the exchange are met."

Israel believes there are about 20 living hostages in Gaza and the bodies of about 30 more. If Hamas releases them, Mr. Trump's proposal calls for Israel to free 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained during the war.

Hamas's statement also said the group agreed "to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support."

What was ambiguous in Hamas's statement?

Hamas's response, though potentially significant, had key ambiguities that could present obstacles to an agreement. It was not clear whether Hamas had a timetable for releasing the hostages or what exactly it meant by the "field conditions" that had to be met.

It was also unclear whether Hamas would relent on proposals it previously considered unacceptable. The statement did not address whether the group would give up its arms, whether Hamas had agreed to a stipulation barring it from exercising political power in Gaza in the future, or if it saw a place for itself or its members among the body of technocrats.

How did President Trump respond?

Mr. Trump said on social media Friday evening that he believed Hamas was "ready for a lasting peace" in Gaza and demanded that Israel stop bombing the enclave so that the Israeli hostages could be evacuated safely.

What to Know About Hamas's Response to Trump's Peace Plan