Hamas Partially Accepts Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal

Palestinian resistance group Hamas has indicated partial acceptance of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative for Gaza, signaling agreement with key aspects such as the release of all Israeli hostages and the return of deceased individuals. The decision, announced shortly after Trump issued a firm ultimatum, marks a pivotal moment amid escalating tensions in the region.

In a statement posted on Telegram on November 4, Hamas said, “In accordance with the exchange mechanism outlined in Trump’s peace proposal, we will initiate the process of releasing hostages to facilitate the cessation of hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.” The organization added that negotiations would commence through mediators as soon as conditions on the ground permit, underscoring its intent to pursue diplomatic engagement.

Hamas also expressed willingness to transfer governance of Gaza to an independent Palestinian administrative body. This plan, it stated, would be implemented based on national consensus, adherence to international laws, and support from Arab and Islamic nations. However, Hamas firmly rejected elements of the proposal calling for disarmament and specific post-conflict administrative arrangements for Gaza.

Trump Responds to Hamas’ Announcement

Shortly after Hamas’ declaration, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to welcome the group’s stance. “I believe Hamas is ready for lasting peace,” he wrote, emphasizing his optimism about resolving the crisis. Trump also urged Israel to suspend ongoing airstrikes on Gaza, suggesting that this move would better facilitate the safe and swift rescue of hostages.

Trump’s sharp ultimatum earlier in the day strongly influenced Hamas’ decision. In stark terms, he had warned, “If we fail to see agreement in the allotted timeframe, you will face an unprecedented response.” The former president even hinted at a full-scale military intervention to neutralize Hamas’ capabilities if no resolution was achieved.

Key Elements of Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal

Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, initially introduced on October 29 during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lays out several critical objectives aimed at de-escalating the protracted conflict. The core points of the initiative include:

• Cessation of Hostilities: An immediate halt to violence on both sides.
• Release of Hostages and Detainees: A structured agreement for the return of captured individuals.
• Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza: A phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the area.
• Transitional Governance Structure: Establishing a provisional Palestinian administrative body to oversee governance in Gaza.

Under the plan, Trump himself would lead a Peace Committee tasked with monitoring progress and ensuring all terms are executed in alignment with the outlined framework.

Resistance to Key Provisions

Despite its partial acceptance of the proposal, Hamas has pushed back against several controversial stipulations. In an interview with Al Jazeera, senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk voiced strong opposition to any external Palestinian governance entities being imposed on Gaza. “We will never allow outsiders to control our destiny,” he stated, explicitly rejecting the involvement of figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in the post-conflict reconstruction and political roadmap.

Marzouk also dismissed the call for immediate disarmament without prior negotiations. He described the 72-hour deadline for the full release of hostages as “impractical,” signaling a need for extended timelines to achieve mutually agreed outcomes.

The Uncertain Future of the Peace Initiative

While Hamas’ acceptance of some elements of the peace proposal marks a step forward, significant roadblocks remain. The rejection of crucial conditions, coupled with Israel’s ongoing military actions, casts uncertainty over Trump’s broader plan for resolving the conflict.

The international community continues to monitor developments closely, as the possibility of a long-term resolution hangs in the balance. Whether Trump’s vision for Gaza peace will ultimately bring an end to this prolonged conflict remains to be seen.