Hamas Reviews Trump's Gaza Peace Plan While Netanyahu Maintains Military Control Strategy

Hamas began reviewing Donald Trump's comprehensive Gaza plan on Tuesday, while Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated Israeli forces would maintain presence in most of the territory despite giving public support to the US president's proposal.

The proposed plan outlines a ceasefire implementation, Hamas releasing hostages within 72 hours, complete disarmament of Hamas, and gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. This would be followed by establishment of a transitional authority headed by Trump himself.

"Hamas has initiated extensive consultations across its political and military leadership structures, both within Palestine and internationally," revealed a Palestinian source speaking anonymously.

"The evaluation process might extend several days given the intricate nature of the proposal."

Qatar, hosting Hamas's leadership in exile, confirmed the group committed to examining the proposal "responsibly" and announced plans for a meeting including Hamas and Turkey later Tuesday.

"Discussing responses would be premature, but we maintain genuine optimism about this comprehensive proposal," stated foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari.

During his Washington announcement, Trump characterized the plan as "a beautiful day -- potentially one of the greatest days ever in civilisation."

The agreement would require complete Hamas disarmament and exclude them from future governance roles, though offering amnesty to those accepting "peaceful co-existence."

It proposes phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza following nearly two years of conflict triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

However, Netanyahu subsequently clarified in a Telegram video statement that Israeli military forces would remain throughout most of Gaza, adding he had not agreed to Palestinian statehood during his Washington discussions.

"We will secure all hostages, alive and well, while maintaining Israeli military presence across most of Gaza Strip," he declared.

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, part of Netanyahu's coalition government, strongly criticized the plan as a "resounding diplomatic failure."

"My assessment predicts this will ultimately end tragically. Our children will inevitably face renewed conflict in Gaza," he warned.

Trump's proposal includes deployment of an "international stabilization force" and creation of a transitional governance structure led by Trump personally with participation from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Blair, whose reputation remains controversial in the Middle East due to his Iraq War involvement, praised the plan as "bold and intelligent."

During their joint press conference, Netanyahu expressed doubts about allowing the Palestinian Authority, which nominally administers Palestinian population centers in the occupied West Bank, any governance role in Gaza.

Trump acknowledged Netanyahu's firm opposition to Palestinian statehood, though the US plan maintains this possibility.

"I endorse your plan for ending the Gaza conflict, as it achieves our strategic objectives," Netanyahu stated.

"Should Hamas reject your proposal, Mr. President, or nominally accept while undermining implementation, Israel will complete the mission independently."

Trump assured Israel would have his "full backing" if Hamas refused the agreement.

International reaction was immediate and widespread. Key Arab and Muslim nations, including mediators Egypt and Qatar, commended the "sincere efforts" following their own recent discussions with Trump.

European allies including Britain, France, Germany and Italy expressed strong support, while China and Russia also indicated their approval.

In Gaza, however, residents expressed skepticism.

"This plan clearly lacks practicality," said Ibrahim Joudeh, 39, speaking from his shelter in Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in southern Gaza.

"It contains conditions that both the US and Israel understand Hamas cannot accept. For us, this means continued warfare and suffering," explained the computer programmer, originally from Rafah, which has been devastated by military operations since May.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery continued throughout Gaza on Tuesday, according to local civil defense agencies and witnesses.

The Israeli military confirmed ongoing operations across the territory, particularly in Gaza City where they have conducted a significant offensive in recent weeks.

"During the past 24 hours, the IAF (air force) targeted over 160 terrorist positions throughout Gaza Strip, including combatants, weapons storage facilities, observation posts, and terrorist infrastructure," the military statement detailed.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump's "sincere and determined efforts."

Hamas ally Islamic Jihad criticized the plan, claiming it would escalate aggression against Palestinians.

"Through this proposal, Israel attempts—via American channels—to impose what military action failed to achieve," the group stated.

The Gaza conflict began following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,219 people, predominantly civilians, according to AFP's compilation of official Israeli figures.

Israel's military response has devastated Gaza's infrastructure and resulted in 66,055 Palestinian casualties, mostly civilians, according to health ministry data from Hamas-controlled territory, figures the United Nations considers reliable.