A key figure within Hamas has informed the BBC that the group is highly likely to reject Donald Trump’s peace initiative for Gaza. The official asserted that the plan is perceived to “serve Israel’s interests” and significantly “ignores those of the Palestinian people.”
According to reports, Hamas is disinclined to disarm or relinquish their weapons, a fundamental requirement of Trump’s proposal. Furthermore, the group reportedly objects to the introduction of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, viewing it as a potential precursor to ongoing occupation.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly accepted the plan following discussions at the White House, Hamas has yet to issue a formal response. Qatar’s foreign ministry has indicated that Hamas is currently “responsibly” reviewing the proposal.
Sources suggest that discussions involve Hamas leadership both within and outside Gaza, with some indications that the group’s military commander in the territory, Ez al-Din al-Haddad, is intent on continuing hostilities rather than accepting the proposed peace framework. Hamas officials located outside Gaza have reportedly seen their influence diminish in these discussions due to their lack of direct control over the hostages.
Complicating matters, a map accompanying the Trump administration’s plan appears to show a planned buffer zone along Gaza’s border with Egypt. The administration and management of this zone remain unclear, but any Israeli involvement is expected to be a significant point of contention.
Adding to the complexity, Prime Minister Netanyahu has made statements since Monday that seem to contradict or at least soften the terms of the plan. He has emphasized Israel’s right to maintain a military presence in parts of Gaza and stated that Israel would “forcibly resist” the establishment of a Palestinian state, terms that appear to conflict with Trump’s framework, which calls for Israeli withdrawal and suggests a “credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
Within Gaza, the public sentiment leans towards supporting the plan primarily as a means to end the ongoing conflict. One resident, Khadar Abu Kweik, expressed a pragmatic view: “The American plan has bad clauses, but I support it because it will stop the war and get rid of Hamas. Even if the devil himself brought a plan to end this hell we are living in, I would support it.”
Palestinian journalist Fathi Sabah voiced concerns about the potential consequences of a Hamas rejection, stating, “A Hamas rejection, god forbid, would mean giving Netanyahu a green light to continue the war with American and Western backing, to destroy what remains of Gaza and the central region.” He further commented on the dire situation, “The people of Gaza cannot bear that. They are devastated, exhausted, desperate and hopeless.” He added that the populace desires an immediate ceasefire, “at any cost, even though they know the plan serves Netanyahu’s interests, is full of pitfalls, and does not reflect their aspirations.”
The conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the taking of 251 hostages. Since then, the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to a significant loss of life, with the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting at least 66,097 casualties. The situation has been exacerbated by a confirmed famine in Gaza City and a UN commission’s conclusion that Israel has committed genocide, claims that Israel strongly denies.