Israel is reportedly preparing to take the initial steps outlined in former President Trump’s plan to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. This comes shortly after Hamas indicated its readiness to release all remaining Israeli hostages.
Despite this positive development, several critical obstacles persist. Hamas’s response notably avoided the issue of disarming, a non-negotiable demand from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Furthermore, Hamas expressed a desire to amend the proposal, which could complicate efforts to secure an agreement with Israel.
Mr. Trump publicly welcomed Hamas’s response, simultaneously urging Israel to cease its bombing campaigns in Gaza to facilitate the safe evacuation of hostages. He acknowledged that the finer points of the plan would require further negotiation.
Reports from within Gaza suggest that Mr. Trump’s proposal enjoys widespread support among Palestinians, who are eager for the war to finally conclude.
Here’s what you need to know:
What did Hamas say?
In a recent statement, Hamas declared its intent to release all hostages held in Gaza, including the remains of those who have died. This release would align with the ‘exchange formula’ outlined in President Trump’s proposal, pending the fulfillment of specified ‘field conditions’ for the exchange.
Israel estimates approximately 20 living hostages and the bodies of about 30 deceased individuals are still in Gaza. Should Hamas release them, Mr. Trump’s proposal calls for Israel to free 250 Palestinian prisoners and an additional 1,700 Gazans detained during the conflict.
Hamas’s statement also indicated the group’s agreement to transfer the governance of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian technocratic body, emphasizing the need for Palestinian national consensus and broad Arab and Islamic backing.
What was ambiguous in Hamas’s statement?
While Hamas’s response holds potential significance, it contained key ambiguities that could hinder an agreement. It was not explicitly clear when Hamas intended to release the hostages or precisely what ‘field conditions’ needed to be met.
Crucially, the statement did not clarify Hamas’s stance on relinquishing its weapons, a proposal it had previously deemed unacceptable. There was also no indication of whether Hamas had agreed to a clause preventing its future political influence in Gaza, or if its members envisioned a role within the proposed technocratic body.
How did President Trump respond?
On social media, Mr. Trump expressed his belief that Hamas was ‘ready for a lasting peace’ in Gaza. He then called for Israel to halt its aerial bombardments of the enclave to ensure the safe evacuation of the Israeli hostages.
In a video message from the Oval Office, Mr. Trump also thanked the nations involved in facilitating the peace plan, specifically mentioning Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey.
Notably, Mr. Trump did not refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his video address.
How did Israel respond?
An official statement from Mr. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel was preparing to implement the initial phase of Mr. Trump’s plan.
The statement affirmed: “We will continue to work in full cooperation with the president and his team in order to bring the war to an end in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel, which are consistent with President Trump’s vision.”
Yair Lapid, the leader of Israel’s parliamentary opposition, publicly offered his full political support to Mr. Netanyahu, enabling the prime minister to move forward with the potential agreement.
How did other countries respond?
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed Hamas’s response on social media as a ‘significant step forward,’ suggesting it had brought the conflict ‘closer to peace than ever before.’ He urged all parties to ‘implement the agreement without delay.’
French President Emmanuel Macron similarly commented on social media, proclaiming, ‘The release of all hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza are within reach!’ He emphasized the urgency of following up on Hamas’s statement, viewing it as an ‘opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace.’
Have we been close to breakthroughs before?
Previous attempts to end the conflict in Gaza have often ended in disappointment. Israel and Hamas have only managed to achieve temporary cease-fires in the past: a roughly week-long truce in November 2023 and another lasting less than three months earlier this year.
A fundamental disagreement between Israel and Hamas has continually blocked any path to lasting peace since the last cease-fire ended in March. Hamas insists on a permanent cease-fire that preserves its influence in a post-war Gaza, while Israel seeks only a temporary arrangement, allowing it to resume its stalled efforts to dismantle Hamas.
However, Hamas’s recent declaration of willingness to release all Israeli hostages has generated a renewed, albeit cautious, sense of optimism that current negotiations could lead to a more enduring resolution.