Hamas responds to Trump’s peace plan with a potential path to governance change
The statement circulated alongside President Donald Trump’s peace plan suggests a cautious openness from Hamas to significant shifts in Gaza’s governance, alongside support for a prisoner exchange and humanitarian access. In its message, Hamas thanked Arab, Islamic, and international actors for their efforts to end the war in Gaza, for enabling a prisoner exchange, and for facilitating immediate aid, while reiterating opposition to the displacement and occupation of the Strip.
Key elements of Hamas’ position
The movement said it conducted in-depth consultations within its leadership and with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friends to craft a responsible response to Trump’s proposal. A central point: Hamas affirmed openness to transferring the administration of Gaza to a politically independent Palestinian body, anchored by broad Palestinian consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.
Hamas also signaled readiness to release all prisoners and to enter negotiations, via mediators, to discuss the details of the prisoner exchange. The aim stated was to end the war and achieve a full withdrawal from Gaza, with field conditions envisioned to enable the exchange process.
Notably, the statement did not mention disarming – a key hurdle for Israel and a prominent feature of Trump’s plan. On other issues related to Gaza’s future and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, Hamas framed these as matters to be addressed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, with Hamas included and contributing fully.
Context: Trump’s plan and Gaza’s response
The plan in question outlines a pathway toward end of hostilities, a rapid hostage release, an Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza, and a governance shift away from Hamas toward a technocratic, post-war authority overseen by international actors. It also places emphasis on disarmament. Hamas’ reply signals some willingness to engage on interim steps like governance change and hostage negotiations, but ties any final resolution to a united Palestinian framework and adherence to international law and resolutions.
Implications for Gaza and regional dynamics
Analysts suggest the statement could open space for renewed negotiations on a prisoner swap and humanitarian aid corridors, with mediation role expanding. However, the absence of a commitment to disarmament may complicate prospects for a lasting security arrangement accepted by Israel and its allies. The emphasis on a technocratic Gaza administration, contingent on national consensus, highlights the political fault lines within Palestinian politics and the broader regional contest for influence.
What happens next?
Hamas indicated it would move promptly to negotiate through mediators to settle the exchange details and the conditions required to implement any deal. The statement underscored a pledge to participate in a broader Palestinian process that protects rights and upholds the Palestinian people’s constants, while inviting Arab and Islamic backing and international engagement to sustain momentum toward a political-resolution framework.
Bottom line
Hamas’ response to Trump’s peace plan reflects a nuanced repositioning: support for humanitarian goals and a path to governance reform, coupled with insistence on a unified Palestinian framework and national rights. The coming days and mediators’ leverage will determine whether these signals translate into substantive steps toward ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and a durable political arrangement in Gaza.
