Hamas has responded favorably to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, following a deadline set by Trump. The group indicated its willingness to enter mediation talks to negotiate the release of hostages and other terms of the deal. Hamas stated it has accepted certain aspects of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, which includes relinquishing control and releasing all remaining hostages, though further discussion with Palestinians is required on other aspects.
This announcement came hours after Trump’s statement that Hamas must accept the deal by Sunday evening. This raises the possibility of a larger military action nearly two years after the October 7 attack on Israel. It is uncertain how the US and Israel will respond to the partial agreement.
Trump had previously asserted that if Hamas did not agree to the proposed peace agreement for the Gaza Strip by 6 p.m. on Sunday, the extremist group would face increased attacks. Trump appears committed to ending the fighting and securing the return of dozens of hostages before the second anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
The plan introduced by the US President to bring peace to the Gaza Strip has been approved by Israel and has received international support. However, key mediators like Egypt and Qatar, along with a senior Hamas leader, have stated that further negotiations are needed on certain elements. No specifics have been revealed on these points.
In a social media post, Trump stated that the agreement with Hamas must be reached by 6 p.m. (Washington D.C. time) on Sunday. He wrote, “Every country has signed it! If this last opportunity for agreement fails, then Hamas will be hit with a wrath like never before seen. Peace will be established in the Middle East in one way or another.”
Trump presented a plan earlier in the week to end the war in the Gaza Strip following meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for an immediate end to the fighting once an agreement is reached by Israel and Hamas, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages (both living and deceased) and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners.
Under the plan, Hamas members who accept peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons will be granted amnesty. Those who choose to leave Gaza will be given safe passage. Immediate and full humanitarian aid, including infrastructure reconstruction, will be sent to Gaza. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave or return will be allowed to do so.
The administration of Gaza will be assigned to a temporary, technical, and non-political Palestinian body, which will be monitored by a Board of Peace. President Donald Trump will be the chair of this body, with members including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other international leaders.
The agreement stipulates that regional partners will guarantee that Hamas and other factions will not violate the agreement and that Gaza will not pose a threat. The United States, along with Arab nations and international partners, will deploy an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to Gaza, which will train local Palestinian police forces and maintain security.
The plan states that Israel will not occupy Gaza or make it its territory. After the ISF has established stability, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will gradually withdraw from the area, except for the border areas that will remain under control until final security is ensured.