Tense Countdown for Response
Hamas is currently reviewing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled Gaza peace initiative, with mediators and world leaders closely monitoring developments. Trump has set a strict deadline of only a few days, warning the Palestinian group that rejecting the proposal could lead to “serious consequences.”
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Hamas received the full text of the 20-point framework on Monday evening. The plan was officially announced at the White House in a joint press appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The militant group is expected to deliver its official reply to Egyptian and Qatari mediators by Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters before departing Washington, Trump said: “Hamas has three to four days to decide. If they accept, peace is possible. If they refuse, the outcome will be very unfortunate.”
Global Attention and Regional Reactions
Trump’s proposal has drawn swift international responses, with both support and skepticism emerging across the Middle East. Israel immediately endorsed the deal, with Netanyahu declaring that the framework aligns with Israel’s long-standing security and military goals.
Several Arab and Muslim-majority nations—including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan—signaled their approval of the initiative. The Palestinian Authority also welcomed the effort, describing Trump’s involvement as “genuine and tireless” in the search for an end to the ongoing conflict.
Despite these endorsements, Hamas leaders have voiced reservations. While confirming they will examine the plan “in good faith,” a representative close to the group criticized the document as “heavily biased toward Israel” and suggested that certain conditions are designed to weaken or dismantle Hamas entirely.
Qatar and Turkey Push Mediation Efforts
Qatar, which has long acted as a key mediator in Gaza, confirmed that Hamas is seriously evaluating the proposal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari emphasized Doha’s “cautious optimism,” describing the plan as comprehensive and worth considering.
Meanwhile, Turkey has stepped up its diplomatic involvement, sending officials to Doha to support the ongoing mediation efforts. Analysts suggest that Ankara’s participation reflects the growing recognition that regional consensus will be crucial if the deal is to gain traction.
Contentious Terms of the Proposal
The details of Trump’s plan have sparked the most heated debate. Central to the proposal is a demand that Hamas disarm completely and relinquish both political and military authority in Gaza. In return, the plan promises:
-
An immediate ceasefire.
-
The release of all hostages within 72 hours.
-
A phased withdrawal of Israeli forces.
-
The creation of a transitional administration overseen by an international “Board of Peace,” reportedly led by former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
According to the terms, all 48 remaining hostages—including approximately 20 believed to be alive—would be exchanged for 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and another 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023. The document stresses that no residents would be forced to leave Gaza and outlines a future pathway to Palestinian statehood if the deal is implemented.
Strong Warnings from Trump and Netanyahu
Trump has made it clear that rejection of the agreement will carry consequences. He assured Israel of his full backing if Hamas refuses, stating, “If they turn this down, Israel has my complete support to finish the job.”
Echoing that sentiment, Netanyahu issued a stark warning: “This mission can be done the easy way or the hard way. But it will be done.”
Such statements underscore the high-stakes nature of the negotiations, with both leaders portraying the peace plan as Hamas’s last opportunity to avoid escalation.
Human Cost and Urgency for Resolution
The conflict’s toll continues to mount. Figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry estimate that more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, while approximately 1,200 Israelis lost their lives during the Hamas-led assault of October 7, 2023.
International pressure on both sides is intensifying, with humanitarian organizations warning of worsening conditions in Gaza. Observers say the next few days will be decisive in determining whether diplomacy can halt nearly two years of devastating bloodshed.
Outlook: A Defining Moment for Peace
As the deadline nears, attention remains fixed on Hamas’s forthcoming response. If accepted, Trump’s plan could mark a rare turning point in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. If rejected, the region may face a new phase of violence with the backing of U.S. and Israeli military power.
The coming week will reveal whether this proposal becomes a blueprint for peace—or yet another missed opportunity in the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
