Hamas has signaled its acceptance of parts of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. While agreeing to release hostages and give up power, Hamas stated that certain elements of the proposal, particularly regarding Gaza’s future, require further consultation among Palestinians.
Hamas’s Partial Acceptance and Conditions
In a statement released Friday, Hamas indicated that it is willing to release the remaining hostages and consider stepping down from power under the terms outlined in Trump’s peace plan. However, the group has emphasized that several aspects, including the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights, must be determined based on a unified Palestinian stance and international law.
Notably, Hamas did not address the demand for disarmament, a crucial point in the plan supported by Israel. The group’s refusal to disarm remains a key sticking point in negotiations.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Pressure on Hamas
President Trump has set a hard deadline for Hamas to accept the plan by Sunday evening, threatening significant military escalation if an agreement is not reached. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” Trump wrote on social media. The U.S. president remains determined to end the conflict, with a focus on securing hostages’ release and ending the fighting.
The Plan’s Key Provisions
Trump’s proposal offers a potential path to peace, including the release of hostages, an Israeli withdrawal, and the cessation of hostilities. In exchange, Hamas would hand over control of Gaza and disarm. Additionally, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners, allow for the influx of humanitarian aid, and facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza.
However, the proposal has sparked resistance within Palestinian factions, with many seeing it as heavily favoring Israel. The removal of the Gaza Strip’s population to other countries has been shelved in the latest version, but the idea of international governance and no future reunification with the West Bank has been contentious.
Escalating Tensions and Limited Progress
Despite the partial acceptance of the plan by Hamas, the ongoing conflict continues to escalate, particularly as Israel seeks to pressure Hamas to comply fully with the conditions. Thousands of Hamas fighters have been killed, but the group retains influence in non-occupied regions of Gaza.
The toll of the war has been devastating, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 66,000 Palestinian casualties, many of them women and children. The conflict has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, leaving much of the region uninhabitable.
The Role of Key Mediators
While the U.S. and Israel continue to push for a resolution, other nations, including Egypt and Qatar, have expressed concerns over certain elements of the plan, particularly in relation to Palestinian autonomy and sovereignty. The international community remains divided over the best path forward for the region.
Looking Ahead
As the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel approaches, the call for peace remains urgent. Despite challenges, efforts to end the war and secure the release of hostages continue, with hopes for a resolution growing amid ongoing international diplomatic efforts.
Closing Line: This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
