Partial Response to Trump Proposal
The group, Hamas, has responded for the first time to Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, agreeing to some elements while rejecting or delaying decisions on others. The move signals a potential shift in negotiations but leaves several key demands unresolved.
Hostages to Be Freed
In its statement, the group, Hamas, confirmed it is ready to release all remaining Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Officials described the decision as part of a broader effort to secure a ceasefire and reduce humanitarian suffering in the enclave.
Priority on Ceasefire
The group stressed that its primary focus remains a ceasefire, which it wants to see guaranteed under Trump’s framework. Mediators, it said, would need to play a role in ensuring that Israel implements any agreed measures.
Palestinian Administration Proposed
Hamas said it is prepared to hand over governance of Gaza to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats. This body, the group suggested, would oversee civilian administration, humanitarian coordination, and reconstruction efforts.
Refusal to Disarm
However, the group did not refer to disarmament, one of the central demands included in Trump’s plan. Israel and its allies insist that the group must give up weapons to prevent renewed conflict, but it has so far resisted such terms.
Role in Gaza’s Governance
The statement also stopped short of confirming the group would relinquish all political influence. Trump’s plan proposed that it should play no further role in governing Gaza, but the group did not agree to this condition, leaving its future role uncertain.
Divided Opinions Within Hamas
Sources close to the group suggest there are internal divisions. One faction reportedly supports unconditional approval of the plan to prioritise an immediate ceasefire, while another insists on conditional approval, demanding clarifications and amendments.
Wider Impact on Factions
Any deal will require not only Hamas’s leadership in Doha and Gaza to agree, but also the support of other resistance factions in Gaza. Analysts say this remains a critical challenge in advancing a unified Palestinian response.
Mediation Efforts Continue
International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are expected to continue shuttle diplomacy between the group, Israel, and Washington. Observers believe these talks will determine whether its partial acceptance can lead to a comprehensive truce.
The Human Cost of War
The war began with the group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,219 people dead, most of them civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza has killed at least 66,225 Palestinians, the health ministry reports.
Civilian Casualties
The United Nations considers the Gaza health ministry’s figures reliable, though they do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. More than half of those killed are reported to be women and children.
Calls for Urgent Ceasefire
The soaring death toll has increased international pressure for a ceasefire. Human rights groups argue that without an immediate halt to hostilities, further loss of civilian life is inevitable.
Trump’s 20-Point Plan
The plan put forward by Donald Trump includes provisions for disarmament, governance reform, reconstruction funding, and security guarantees. Analysts view it as the most detailed international framework to emerge since the conflict began.
Key Sticking Points
Disarmament, the group’s role in governance, and guarantees of Palestinian sovereignty remain the most contentious elements. Without progress on these issues, diplomats warn that the plan risks stalling.
Analysts’ Views
Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations said the challenge extends beyond the group’s leadership abroad. “Ultimately, it’s not just about convincing leaders in Doha but also fighters in Gaza, and ensuring other factions are on board,” he explained.
Pressure on Israel
While Israel has not formally responded to the group’s statement, officials in Jerusalem maintain that disarmament is non-negotiable. Israeli media reported that government sources remain sceptical of the group’s willingness to comply with core demands.
Uncertain Road Ahead
With key differences still unresolved, the future of Trump’s plan remains unclear. For now, Hamas’s pledge to release hostages offers a glimmer of progress, but the broader path to peace in Gaza is likely to be long and fraught with difficulty.
