Hamas presses for changes to the Trump Gaza plan as talks resume in Doha
The Hamas movement is pushing to amend several clauses of the Trump plan for Gaza, arguing that certain provisions require clarification or adjustment before it can endorse any agreement. A Palestinian source close to Hamas said on condition of anonymity that the group is contesting elements related to disarmament and the broader framework governing the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The plan, which has the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, envisions a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
Negotiations took place in Doha on Tuesday, with Hamas delegations meeting mediators from Qatar and Egypt, and with Turkish representatives involved in the discussions. The source indicated that Hamas would need “two or three days at most” to present its formal response to the plan, underscoring the fragility and tempo of regional diplomacy in this crisis moment.
The core points Hamas wants to revise
Foremost among Hamas’s concerns is the disarmament clause. The Palestinian faction is seeking to modify how and when disarmament would occur, arguing that the terms must be credible and verifiable and subject to international guarantees. In addition, Hamas reportedly wants clarifications regarding the expulsion of Hamas cadres and the safeguards that would prevent any political or security actions that could undermine the movement’s leadership structure.
Beyond disarmament, Hamas is demanding robust international guarantees that Israel will fully withdraw from Gaza and that there will be no repeat of targeted assassinations inside or outside the territory. The request for guarantees reflects long-standing Hamas insistence on durable commitments from regional and international actors to ensure the plan’s implementation and to deter violations.
Two schools of thought within Hamas
There appears to be a split within Hamas about how to approach the plan. One faction advocates unconditional approval, arguing that a ceasefire backed by trusted mediators and Trump-era guarantees could halt hostilities and unlock humanitarian relief with international oversight. A second faction expresses serious reservations about key clauses, including disarmament and expulsions, and favors conditional approval that would incorporate clarifications aligning with Hamas’s positions and those of allied movements of resistance.
“The Hamas leadership wants a ceasefire immediately, but not at the expense of fundamental national principles,” a source close to the movement said, highlighting the delicate balance between achieving quiet and preserving strategic goals.
Mediators and regional players
Qatar and Egypt have long served as principal mediators in Gaza, working alongside Turkish interlocutors in this round. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani reminded reporters that while the plan’s objective is to end the Palestinians’ suffering, several provisions require clear definitions and negotiations. He underscored that discussions would continue to refine the terms to avoid misinterpretations and to secure a durable ceasefire that could withstand political shocks.
A September attack in Doha, which killed six people and targeted Hamas officials gathered there to discuss a ceasefire proposal, underscores the volatility surrounding these talks. Despite the violence, Hamas has indicated it remains in contact with other regional and Arab actors, signaling a broad diplomatic effort to thread together security guarantees, humanitarian needs, and political legitimacy.
What’s next for Gaza and the diplomacy track
With the clock ticking, Hamas signaled readiness to respond shortly, while mediators continue to press for clarifications and assurances that would make the Trump plan viable from a Palestinian perspective. The coming days will be telling for whether the two sides can bridge gaps on disarmament, leadership protections, and the nature of international guarantees while maintaining a clear path toward a ceasefire and durable conditions for Israeli withdrawal.
For Gaza’s civilians, the outcome remains a question of life, security, and dignity amid a stalled political process. Humanitarian agencies say any durable ceasefire must be coupled with sustained relief, reconstruction, and protections against renewed violence.
