Post by : Rameen Ariff

Hamas has responded to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, agreeing to several key proposals while highlighting differences regarding Gaza’s governance and the group’s role in the territory’s future. The Palestinian organization confirmed its willingness to end hostilities, facilitate Israel’s withdrawal, release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, allow international aid and recovery efforts, and oppose any forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.

Regarding the release of hostages, Hamas stated it would return both living and deceased Israeli captives according to the exchange formula proposed by Trump, though it did not clarify the “necessary field conditions” required for implementation. The Trump plan, in contrast, outlines that all hostages must be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the agreement. It also calls for Israel to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 2023, including women and children.

On ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, Hamas welcomed the end of war and Israel’s full exit from Gaza. However, the group did not address the staged withdrawal approach outlined in Trump’s plan, which proposes frozen battle lines until conditions are met for full withdrawal. Both parties agree on a significant increase in aid and recovery efforts, including rebuilding hospitals, bakeries, infrastructure, and clearing rubble, but Hamas rejected Palestinian displacement, consistent with the Trump plan, which guarantees freedom for those wishing to leave Gaza.

The main differences between Hamas and the Trump plan concern foreign involvement in Gaza’s governance and Hamas’ role in the territory. The Trump plan proposes a temporary technocratic Palestinian committee supervised by an international body led by Trump, including figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Hamas, however, prefers administration by a Palestinian body of independents supported by Arab and Islamic nations. Additionally, while the Trump plan requires Hamas to have no role in governance and mandates a demilitarization process, Hamas maintains that it is part of a comprehensive Palestinian national framework and did not comment on demilitarization or amnesty for its members.

The response from Hamas reflects both acceptance of key elements in Trump’s plan, including ceasefire, aid, and hostage release, and a cautious stance on governance and international oversight, signaling the need for further negotiations.

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