Hamas signals conditional acceptance of parts of Trump’s Gaza plan
In a development that has redirected the trajectory of the Gaza crisis, Hamas stated it accepts parts of the peace proposal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump for the Gaza Strip. The group indicated it could support elements of the plan, notably the unconditional transfer of all Israeli hostages—dead and alive—held by Hamas, according to multiple, corroborating news outlets that cited the movement’s statements.
Beyond hostage issues, Hamas reaffirmed a long-standing position that governance of the Gaza Strip should be handed to an independent technocratic Palestinian authority. The group, however, did not commit to the demand for disarmament, saying it would consider weapons handover only after the end of what it calls Israeli “occupation” of Gaza. Reuters quoted a Hamas spokesman who argued that the plan’s security aspects must be grounded in a broader Palestinian consensus and international law.
Hamas also signaled a desire to shape the plan’s future negotiations through a unified Palestinian stance. The group said any changes or clarifications should be achieved in concert with other factions and on the basis of international law, hinting at a willingness to negotiate as part of a broader, multilateral process rather than unilaterally.
What the plan entails and what Hamas wants to negotiate
The clarification from Hamas comes amid a U.S.-backed framework for the Gaza crisis that envisions a ceasing of fighting and a staged release of captives. Hamas indicated readiness to engage through mediators to discuss the plan’s specifics. Observers had anticipated potential redlines, with the group asserting that several elements would require additional negotiation and consensus before any final agreement could be reached.
Under the peace plan as outlined by Trump, about 48 hostages are expected to be moved out of Gaza within 72 hours. The plan also contemplates the release of approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life terms and the liberation of around 1,700 detainees who have been held since October 7, 2023. Reuters reported that a Hamas spokesman cautioned the 72-hour hostage-release target might be unrealistic, underscoring the complexity of any rapid transfer process.
Global reactions and regional diplomacy
International responses were largely positive, with notable voices urging swift progress. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the release of hostages as within “grasping distance” and urged an immediate end to fighting. He said the moment represented the best chance for peace after years of conflict. Regional mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, also welcomed the Hamas trajectory—Qatar’s foreign ministry praised Hamas’s apparent willingness to move toward Trump’s plan, while Egypt’s foreign ministry welcomed the development on social media.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to seize the moment to end the tragedy in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron called for rapid implementation of Hamas’s commitments and emphasized that decisive steps toward peace were possible now. The early wave of international optimism stood in contrast to the political realities on the ground, where domestic debate in key capitals continues.
Israeli politics and hostage families
In Israel, families of the hostages pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to participate actively in negotiations detailing the U.S. plan. The forum for hostage families urged Netanyahu to engage in efficient, swift talks to secure the return of all captives, highlighting the intense domestic pressure to demonstrate progress on a deeply personal issue for many Israelis.
Within Israel’s ruling coalition, some right-wing partners oppose the peace framework as currently proposed. With the Jewish Sabbath approaching, many officials were expected to refrain from public comment until after the sabbatical period, leaving the trajectory of the mediation uncertain in the near term.
What happens next?
Analysts say the next steps hinge on real progress in mediating parties and translating conditional statements into concrete actions. Any durable breakthrough will require verified hostages’ safety measures, a credible plan for the proposed Palestinian technocratic administration, and a credible path toward the ending of the occupation as framed by all sides. The coming days will test whether the shared language of diplomacy can translate into substantive concessions and, ultimately, a sustained pause in hostilities.
