Gaza – hamas has signaled a conditional acceptance of a Gaza ceasefire plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, but significant hurdles remain to a lasting resolution, according to reports and analysis emerging from the region. While welcoming the opportunity for negotiations, Hamas appears to be prioritizing a phased approach-ceasefire, hostage exchange, then political discussions-rather than treating the plan as a comprehensive agreement.
The response reveals internal divisions within Hamas itself. Leadership in Qatar, where a political council operates following a recent Israeli air raid, is distinct from the military commanders currently in control in Gaza, reportedly slowing decision-making. Concurrently, the plan is fracturing the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Netanyahu claiming it achieves “all objectives of Israel,” while ministers from his right-wing coalition oppose the release of Hamas members in a prisoner exchange and any relinquishing of territorial annexation. Israeli writer Yossi Melman suggests Israel will adhere to the plan, stating, “Trump has said Netanyahu to keep his mouth shut and not by fighting, and that is what they are doing now.Israel no longer seems to be taking an independent course in this war.”
A key sticking point for Hamas is the proposed establishment of an international Board of Peace led by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which the group has outright rejected.Palestinian officials also emphasize the need for self-determination.Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian national initiative, stated, “We must have a deal that guarantees our freedom and independence, and prevent attempts to impose a foreign administration in Gaza or separate the area from the West Bank.”
Despite the initial positive response,analysts caution against premature optimism. Critical issues such as disarmament, the role of any international regulator, and a solution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza remain unresolved. qatar,alongside Egypt and the US,is currently facilitating follow-up discussions,with the coming days seen as crucial in determining whether this represents a genuine turning point toward sustainable peace or merely a temporary deferral of further conflict.
