Analyzing Hamas' Response to Trump's Gaza Peace Proposal: Points of Agreement and Contention

Hamas indicated it would release both living and deceased Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza

Hamas responded on Friday to President Donald Trump's proposed plan for Gaza's future, which includes ending Israel's military operations in the enclave.

The Palestinian organization accepted several critical components of Trump's proposal, including war termination, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, hostage release and prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid delivery, recovery initiatives, and opposition to Palestinian displacement from the territory.

Significant differences emerged between Hamas' statement and Trump's plan regarding Gaza's future governance structure and Hamas' role in the territory moving forward. Hamas expressed interest in continuing negotiations.

Below is a comparison between Hamas' response and the key points of Trump's Gaza plan:

ELEMENTS HAMAS INDICATED WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT FROM TRUMP'S PLAN:

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange:

Hamas stated it would release Israeli hostages in Gaza, both living and deceased, "according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange."

The group did not elaborate on what constitutes "necessary field conditions" but expressed readiness for immediate mediated discussions on implementation details.

Trump's plan stipulates that all hostages must be returned by Hamas "within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement."

The proposal outlines that Israel would subsequently release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, plus 1,700 Gazans arrested since October 7, 2023, including all women and children. For each set of Israeli remains released, Israel would return remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

Ceasefire Implementation and Israeli Withdrawal:

Hamas accepted the framework for ending hostilities and Israel's "full withdrawal" from Gaza. Their statement did not acknowledge phased withdrawal stages and explicitly rejected continued Israeli occupation.

Trump's plan indicated that "Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release." During this period, Israel's military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, would be suspended, and "battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal."

Humanitarian Aid, Recovery, and Population Protection:

Hamas welcomed provisions for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the commitment against Palestinian expulsion from the territory.

According to Trump's plan, aid would immediately flow into Gaza at volumes consistent with a January 19 agreement. The proposal includes rehabilitation of infrastructure, hospitals and bakeries, plus entry of equipment necessary for rubble removal and road clearing. Aid distribution would occur through the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other international organizations.

Hamas emphasized its opposition to Palestinian displacement from Gaza. Trump's plan stated that "no one will be forced to leave" and those who depart would maintain the right to return, encouraging Palestinians to remain in Gaza.

AREAS OF APPARENT DISAGREEMENT WITH TRUMP'S PLAN:

Interim Governance Structure and International Oversight:

Trump's plan proposes "Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee," without specifying individuals or groups involved in this transition.

The plan calls for supervision by a new international transitional body headed by Trump and including other figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Hamas stated it would transfer Gaza's administration "to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing." The group has previously offered alternative administrative arrangements for Gaza.

Hamas did not address the proposed deployment of a "temporary International Stabilisation Force" in Gaza that the Trump plan indicated the U.S. would develop with Arab partners.

Hamas' Future Role in Gaza:

Trump's plan requires Hamas to "agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form." It also calls for a "process of demilitarisation of Gaza."

Hamas maintained in its response that it considers itself part of a "comprehensive Palestinian national framework." The Friday statement did not address demilitarization, which Hamas has previously rejected.

"This is tied to a collective national position and in accordance with relevant international laws and resolutions, to be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will be included and will contribute with full responsibility," Hamas stated on Friday.

Hamas did not comment on the proposal to provide amnesty and safe passage to other countries for Hamas members who "decommission" their weapons.