Trump pushes for Gaza truce as Hamas partly backs peace plan

Hamas has agreed to accept US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, but only with conditions.

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas conveyed its position to mediators, offering to release all Israeli prisoners in exchange for a complete end to Israel’s war on Gaza and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces. In its statement, Hamas expressed willingness to hold negotiations through mediators and proposed handing over Gaza’s administration to an independent and impartial body of Palestinian technocrats, supported by Arab and Islamic countries. The group emphasized that the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights must align with international law and a collective national stance.

However, Hamas rejected certain points of Trump’s plan, including the proposed role of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Senior Hamas leader Musa Abu Marzouk also clarified that disarming before Israel’s withdrawal is not possible and termed the 72-hour handover timeline as unrealistic.

Reacting to Hamas’s response, President Trump said it showed a willingness for lasting peace. He urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza to ensure safe evacuation of hostages and stressed that ongoing negotiations are aimed at broader Middle East peace. Trump also thanked Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other nations for their role in mediation.

Qatar and Egypt welcomed Hamas’s statement, calling it a positive step toward ending bloodshed in Gaza. Both countries confirmed they are in touch with the US to push forward discussions on a permanent ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also termed Hamas’s response as encouraging and urged all sides to seize the opportunity to end the war and restore stability in the region.