Hamas has announced that it accepts several elements of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza but emphasized that further negotiations are required on sensitive points, particularly regarding governance of the enclave.
The group delivered its formal response on Friday, just hours after Trump gave Hamas a Sunday deadline to decide on his 20-point initiative.
The plan outlined an immediate ceasefire, the release of 48 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the establishment of a transitional governance body, and the disarmament of Hamas.
In its reply, Hamas agreed to release both living captives and remains under the terms outlined by Trump, stressing the need for proper field conditions for the exchange. It also expressed readiness to begin mediated negotiations to finalize details and said it was open to transferring Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian technocratic authority supported by Arab and Islamic states.
However, Hamas firmly rejected Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” co-led by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, with senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk dismissing Blair’s credibility due to his role in the Iraq war.
Trump initially warned that rejection would result in “all HELL” against Hamas but later struck a more optimistic tone after receiving the response, saying the group appeared ready for “lasting PEACE” and calling on Israel to pause its bombing to allow safe hostage release.
Qatar and Egypt, both key mediators, welcomed the move and began consultations with Washington, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to seize the opportunity. Analysts noted that Hamas’s partial acceptance creates an opening for talks, though the group remains wary of measures that could detach Gaza from the broader Palestinian cause.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its offensive, with reports of remote-controlled demolition vehicles being used in Gaza City. According to local health authorities, the death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 66,200, the majority being women and children.
