Pakistan, Oct. 12 -- CAIRO - Hamas' decision to release all hostages under a Trump-brokered ceasefire has stunned regional observers, marking a major gamble based on trust in the former US president's promises. Despite long criticizing Donald Trump for his past remarks about Palestinians, Hamas leaders were persuaded after his handling of an Israeli strike in Qatar, where he personally intervened to apologize to the Qatari leadership. The group saw it as proof that Trump could rein in Israeli actions and ensure adherence to any future peace arrangement.

Under the new deal, Hamas agreed to free hostages even without a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza - a move senior Hamas officials privately admit carries major risk. They fear Israel cou...