Hamas Accepts Key Parts of Trump Peace Plan, Seeks Further Negotiations on Gaza’s Future

Gaza, October 4 (TNA) In a major development, Hamas has announced its acceptance of key elements of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, including the release of all Israeli hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Hamas’s official statement confirmed its willingness to surrender power in Gaza to a technocratic body based on Palestinian consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic nations. The group also voiced appreciation for Trump and various international mediators for their efforts to end the ongoing war in Gaza.

However, Hamas emphasised that aspects related to the future governance of Gaza and fundamental Palestinian rights still require negotiation and consensus among Palestinian factions, citing adherence to relevant international laws and resolutions. Crucially, Hamas did not directly address the proposal’s demands for complete disarmament or the stipulation that it must have no future role in Gaza’s administration.

President Trump responded by urging Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza to facilitate the safe return of hostages and indicated optimism for a “lasting peace,” setting a Sunday deadline for Hamas to finalise its agreement.

The Israeli government has yet to issue an official reaction, but international mediators and Palestinian authorities expressed cautious hope that this breakthrough might pave the way for an end to hostilities in the region.

Hamas’s key concessions in their statement on Trump’s peace plan include agreeing to release all Israeli hostages and supporting the handover of Gaza’s administration to a technocratic body, based on Palestinian consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic nations.

Hamas also accepted frameworks for ending the war, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza. The group welcomed the stipulation that no Palestinian would be expelled from Gaza, and was open to prisoner exchanges involving both Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.

However, Hamas expressed significant reservations. They cited concerns over the lack of binding guarantees or a clear timetable for Israeli withdrawal, described the 72-hour deadline to hand over hostages as unrealistic, and insisted on further talks regarding future governance and disarmament.

Hamas strongly rejected any clause demanding Palestinian displacement or forced expulsion, and disagreed with the proposal for a monitoring council chaired by international figures, such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, whom they consider partial.

The group called for amendments, longer deadlines, and greater specificity—particularly in ensuring that their fundamental rights, security, and role in Gaza’s future governance are addressed before giving full approval to the plan