Hamas has expressed its readiness to accept certain aspects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while also emphasizing the need for further discussions on key issues. This development comes in the wake of Trump’s ultimatum, which demanded a response from the group by Sunday.
In a statement released on Friday, Hamas indicated its agreement to release all Israeli captives held in Gaza, including both living individuals and the remains of deceased captives. This release, however, is contingent upon the establishment of “field conditions necessary for the exchange,” as stipulated in Trump’s 20-point proposal for a ceasefire.
The group further expressed its willingness to engage in immediate negotiations through mediators to iron out the details of the exchange. Additionally, Hamas stated it is prepared to transfer the administration of the Gaza Strip to a body of independent technocrats, operating under a framework of Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic nations.
However, Hamas has also voiced significant concerns regarding portions of Trump’s plan that relate to “the future of the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.” The group insists that these issues should be resolved based on a “unanimous national position and relevant international laws and resolutions,” highlighting the complexities of the political landscape in the region.
This announcement follows Trump’s declaration on his social media platform, Truth Social, warning that failure to reach an agreement by the deadline would lead to unprecedented consequences for Hamas. His plan, which has been met with skepticism, includes demands that were not directly addressed by Hamas, notably a call for the group to disarm.
Later on Friday, White House Press Secretary confirmed that Trump would address the media regarding Hamas’s response to his proposal, signifying the administration’s readiness to engage with the situation as it unfolds.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Ali Hashem, noted that Hamas’s statement may signify “a window for negotiations,” suggesting that there could be opportunities for dialogue in the coming days. He pointed out that Hamas may harbor reservations about elements of the proposal, particularly regarding the suggestion of an international transitional body led by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, which would oversee the governance of post-war Gaza.
Critically, Hashem highlighted that Trump’s plan fails to provide a roadmap for the eventual reunification of Gaza with the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a significant concern for many Palestinians who see both regions as integral to a future Palestinian state. “They do not want to see Gaza isolated from the bigger picture,” he explained.
Moreover, Hashem noted that many Arab and Islamic countries have expressed dissatisfaction with the version of the plan that was revealed by Trump, suggesting that Hamas’s concerns may align with a broader regional perspective.
In its statement, Hamas also acknowledged the efforts made by Arab, Islamic, and international actors, including Trump himself, to seek resolution to the conflict. By showing a degree of positivity in their response, Hamas appears to be signaling a willingness to engage constructively, while also making it clear that they seek clarification on several points before fully committing to the proposal.
As the situation continues to evolve, experts suggest that the next steps will heavily depend on how Trump and his administration respond to Hamas’s reservations and the broader implications for peace in the region. The ball, as Hashem aptly put it, is now in President Trump’s court, as the world watches closely for developments in this high-stakes diplomatic engagement.
This story remains in development as new information emerges.
