Gaza City – Hamas is seeking significant revisions to a ceasefire proposal reportedly presented by former U.S. President Donald Trump,sources close to the militant group indicate,as the conflict in Gaza continues. The proposal demands the immediate release of all Israeli hostages - within 72 hours of a ceasefire – alongside a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military forces to a buffer zone along the Gaza perimeter and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid.
A key sticking point for Hamas is the proposed release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many serving life sentences, though the plan’s explicit rejection of any annexation or occupation of Gaza by Israel has been positively received.
Despite suffering substantial losses during the current war, Hamas maintains a presence in Gaza City, the “central camps” south of the city, and the coastal zone of al-Mawasi, continuing guerrilla operations and providing a degree of governance. According to a report by the independent violence monitoring group ACLED, at least 40 commanders and key operatives within Hamas’s military wing have been killed as March, leaving only one senior commander from the pre-October 7 military council still in command.
Michael Milshtein, a Hamas expert at Tel Aviv University, notes that while divisions within Hamas are often discussed, a essential agreement exists regarding opposing disarmament. ”They all agree on opposing the disarmament because the armed struggle is such a deep principle in their nature and identity,” he said.
Despite reported losses of 90% of its commanders and 97% of its rockets, Hamas has recruited thousands of new fighters and, according to military sources cited by Milshtein, has only had 40% of its extensive tunnel network destroyed. “Hamas have adjusted to the new conditions… They have metamorphosed and they have survived,” Milshtein stated.
Some factions within Hamas, particularly younger fighters, favor continued resistance, believing Israel is facing strategic challenges including the financial burden of reservist mobilization, upcoming elections, and increasing international pressure. ”Their view is that Israel is struggling strategically… So, for them, it’s just a question of who will hold out the longest,” said researcher Lovatt.
Hamas was founded in 1987.
