In a complex and evolving situation, Hamas has not yet publicly responded to Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the Israeli military would maintain a significant presence in the region. This announcement followed Netanyahu’s endorsement of Trump’s initiative, which outlines a potential pathway to peace, contingent upon several critical actions.
The proposed 20-point plan emphasizes immediate goals such as establishing a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, and the disarmament of the group. Additionally, it suggests a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, culminating in the formation of a transitional authority led by Trump himself.
A senior official within Hamas indicated this week that the group had not received the 20-point proposal directly, although it was reported that representatives from Qatar and Egypt met with Hamas negotiators to share the document. According to an anonymous source, these mediators expressed that Hamas would consider the plan seriously and offer a response in due time.
During a recent press conference, Netanyahu reiterated that the Israeli military would occupy most of Gaza and rejected the notion of establishing a Palestinian state in discussions with Trump. He stated, “We will recover all our hostages, alive and well, while the (Israeli military) will remain in most of the Gaza Strip.” This position was met with criticism from some members of Netanyahu’s coalition, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who labeled the plan a “resounding diplomatic failure.”
In Washington, Trump described the effort as a significant step toward peace, stating, “Today is a beautiful day — potentially one of the greatest days ever in civilization.” His proposal also includes deploying a “temporary international stabilization force” alongside establishing a transitional authority involving notable figures, such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who endorsed the plan, calling it “bold and intelligent.”
The proposal calls for the total disarmament of Hamas militants, with those who accept “peaceful co-existence” potentially receiving amnesty. Yet, the involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance remains uncertain, as Netanyahu suggested it might be excluded.
Trump reinforced his backing for Israel, asserting that should Hamas reject the plan or act contrary to its terms, Israel would have the full support to take necessary military actions. The international response has been largely positive, with key Arab and Muslim nations, along with European allies, expressing support for the plan.
However, reactions from within Gaza have been skeptical. Residents voiced doubts about the feasibility of the plan, suggesting that it contains conditions likely to be rejected by Hamas, resulting in continued conflict. A resident from Al-Mawasi stated, “It’s drafted with conditions that the US and Israel know Hamas will never accept. For us, that means the war and the suffering will continue.”
Contrary to Trump’s assertions of progress, military operations continued in Gaza, with reports of ongoing Israeli air strikes targeting various locations within the territory. The Israeli military announced substantial bombardment efforts, claiming to have struck over 160 targets linked to militant activities.
While the Palestinian Authority welcomed the U.S. initiative as a serious effort toward resolution, Hamas’ ally, Islamic Jihad, condemned the plan, arguing it represents an attempt by Israel, facilitated by the U.S., to impose terms through military force that they could not achieve through diplomacy.
The current situation has been exacerbated by the violent events that unfolded on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. As the situation continues to develop, both the local and international community watch closely, hopeful for a resolution but wary of the ongoing violence and instability.
