In a development that could reshape the trajectory of the Gaza war, Hamas has conditionally accepted major portions of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the conflict. The group’s nuanced response marks its most serious engagement yet with an externally mediated peace framework, suggesting both strategic calculation and a recognition of mounting humanitarian and political pressure.
Trump’s plan, unveiled earlier this week, calls for a full ceasefire, the release of all hostages held in Gaza, the formation of a technocratic Palestinian administration, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces — all under international supervision. The proposal also demands that Hamas relinquish control of Gaza’s governance while ensuring security for Israel through third-party enforcement.
Hamas’s Conditional Response
In an official statement delivered through mediators, Hamas said it “welcomes the general direction” of the initiative but emphasized that implementation must depend on “field conditions” and “national consensus.” The organization confirmed its willingness to release all Israeli captives, both living and deceased, under a verified exchange mechanism that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Hamas also signaled its acceptance of a nonpartisan administrative body to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and governance — a move that could reduce its political visibility while preserving its local influence. This body would be composed of independent Palestinian technocrats supported by Arab and Islamic nations, effectively sidelining both Hamas and Fatah from direct authority during the transition period.
However, the group drew firm red lines around issues of disarmament and security oversight, insisting that these topics be deferred to a “later stage” of negotiations under broader Palestinian dialogue. Hamas also rejected any precondition that would strip it of its political legitimacy or demand its classification as a non-political actor.
“The Palestinian resistance will not lay down arms before a comprehensive agreement that guarantees our people’s rights, protects Jerusalem, and ends the occupation,” the statement read, framing its position as one of pragmatism rather than surrender.
Trump Calls on Israel to “Stop the Bombing Now”
Following Hamas’s response, Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to immediately suspend airstrikes and military operations in Gaza to “create space for peace.” Speaking at a campaign event in Florida, Trump declared that the “window for ending this tragedy is open but closing fast,” warning that continued Israeli bombardments could sabotage ongoing mediation efforts.
“Israel has every right to defend itself, but right now, stopping the bombing is how you save lives — and how you get your people home,” Trump said, referring to the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. “Hamas just blinked. Now Israel needs to respond smartly, not emotionally.”
Trump’s statement has drawn mixed reactions in Washington and Jerusalem. While some Israeli officials acknowledged the diplomatic opening, others accused Trump of undermining Israel’s security and applying pressure at a politically sensitive time. Still, Trump’s re-engagement in Middle East diplomacy has thrust him once again into the international spotlight, suggesting that his influence over the conflict remains significant.
Israel’s Dilemma: Security vs. Diplomacy
Inside Israel, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a difficult balancing act. Senior officials confirmed that Israel’s security cabinet has reviewed Hamas’s response but stopped short of committing to a formal reaction.
“Words are not enough,” one Israeli official told local media. “Hamas has made promises before while rearming underground. Verification, disarmament, and security guarantees must come first.”
Netanyahu himself has not publicly addressed the details of Hamas’s statement but reaffirmed that any ceasefire “must include the unconditional release of all hostages and the complete dismantling of terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.”
Analysts say Israel’s hesitation stems from two main concerns: the lack of a concrete enforcement mechanism to guarantee Hamas’s compliance, and fears that halting the offensive prematurely could allow the group to regroup.
Nonetheless, mounting domestic pressure — particularly from families of hostages — is forcing the government to consider diplomatic alternatives. Public protests have grown in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding that the government prioritize the safe return of captives over continued military escalation.
Arab States Push for Implementation
Regional actors, including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have reportedly intensified diplomatic efforts to capitalize on the moment. Officials familiar with the talks say Cairo has proposed hosting a multilateral summit to formalize a transitional framework once both sides agree to basic terms.
Arab governments view Trump’s plan as an opportunity to stabilize Gaza while avoiding the political fallout of a prolonged Israeli occupation. The concept of a technocratic Palestinian administration, backed by Arab funding and international oversight, has been met with tentative approval in Riyadh, Amman, and Abu Dhabi — though all stress that the arrangement must pave the way for eventual Palestinian elections.
A senior Egyptian diplomat described the current phase as “a rare alignment of political necessity and humanitarian urgency.” He added, “No one expects full trust between Israel and Hamas, but this is the first time in months that both have something to gain from restraint.”
Humanitarian Reality on the Ground
On the ground, conditions in Gaza remain dire. Health officials say hospitals are running out of fuel and medical supplies, while the United Nations has warned that over 80 percent of residents are displaced. Aid groups have urged all parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian deliveries.
If implemented, Trump’s plan would allow for safe humanitarian corridors across Gaza, monitored by international observers. Reconstruction funds, currently frozen by Western donors, could then be released under the technocratic authority’s management, potentially reviving basic infrastructure, water systems, and schools.
Still, residents of Gaza remain skeptical. “We have heard about plans before,” said one resident in Rafah. “What we need is not speeches — we need the bombing to stop.”
A Fragile Opening
For many diplomats, Hamas’s conditional acceptance represents the most tangible diplomatic opening since the war began. While the plan is far from finalized, it signals that the group is willing to negotiate on core humanitarian and political issues — a potential step toward broader reconciliation within the Palestinian movement.
Yet the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. Israel’s security demands remain uncompromising, Hamas’s political survival instincts are strong, and Trump’s own polarizing reputation complicates his role as mediator. Moreover, trust between all parties remains virtually nonexistent.
Still, even skeptics admit that this moment is different. The combination of international exhaustion, humanitarian collapse, and political opportunity has created a narrow but real chance for change.
The Bottom Line
Hamas’s conditional nod to Trump’s peace plan has injected new life into a diplomatic process long thought dead. The coming days will test whether rhetoric can translate into restraint — and whether leaders on all sides can turn a fragile truce into the first step toward ending one of the most devastating wars in recent history.
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