A senior member of Hamas has indicated that the group is poised to reject Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, asserting that it prioritizes Israel’s interests while neglecting those of the Palestinian people. The official noted that Hamas is unlikely to consent to disarmament, a central requirement of the proposed plan. Furthermore, Hamas opposes the introduction of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, perceiving this as a form of occupation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed acceptance of Trump’s plan during talks at the White House. However, Hamas has not yet issued a formal response. Qatar’s foreign ministry reported that Hamas is reviewing the proposal “responsibly,” while discussions include leadership representatives from both inside and outside of Gaza.
Reports suggest that Ez al-Din al-Haddad, Hamas’s military commander in Gaza, is inclined to continue resistance rather than accept the current proposal. Discussions are also believed to involve other Palestinian factions, although Hamas’s control over hostages limits the influence of its leaders based outside Gaza. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which participated in a recent attack and held Israeli hostages, has formally rejected the plan.
A contentious aspect of the proposal requires Hamas to release all hostages in a single action, eliminating their leverage in negotiations. There is skepticism regarding Israel’s intentions, especially after recent military operations, raising concerns about whether Israel would cease military activities following any hostage release.
The Trump administration’s plan has been criticized for proposing a buffer zone along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. Israeli military policies articulated by Netanyahu, including maintaining a military presence in parts of Gaza and resistance to Palestinian statehood, also appear to contradict the framework’s stipulations for withdrawal and a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.
Recent comments from Palestinians indicate broad support for the plan if it brings an end to violence, despite acknowledging its drawbacks. The backdrop of conflict includes the military campaign launched in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides and has exacerbated humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2j97jldkmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss