Hamas said yesterday it would agree to some aspects of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, including releasing hostages and handing over administration of the enclave, but that it would seek negotiations over many of its other terms.
Hamas issued its response to Trump’s 20-point plan after the US president gave the Palestinian group until tomorrow to accept or reject the proposal. Trump has not said whether the terms would be subject to negotiation, as Hamas is seeking.
Notably, Hamas did not say whether it would agree to a stipulation that it disarm, a demand by Israel and the US that it has previously rejected.
In its statement, Hamas said it “appreciates the Arab, Islamic and international efforts, as well as the efforts of US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, (and) the immediate entry of aid”, among other terms.
It said it was announcing its “approval of releasing all occupation prisoners – both living and remains – according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange”.
But Hamas added: “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details.”
The group said it was ready “to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing”.
President Trump welcomed Hamas’ response to his proposal for ending the war in the Gaza Strip, turning pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said he believes Hamas is ready “for a lasting PEACE” before calling on Israel to end its bombing of the enclave.
“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that.” Trump wrote.
“We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” he added.
Trump’s plan specifies an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and the introduction of a transitional government led by an international body.
Qatar has begun co-ordination with mediator Egypt and the US to continue talks on Trump’s Gaza plan to reach an end to the war, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said on X. He said Qatar welcomed Hamas’ response to Trump’s plan.
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