In a significant shift, Hamas has officially responded to the peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, offering to transfer governance of Gaza to a body of independent Palestinian technocrats and release all remaining Israeli captives. The move signals a potential opening for renewed diplomatic engagement, although key issues remain unresolved.
The group’s statement, delivered through official channels, stops short of addressing its disarmament — a central demand by both Israel and its Western allies. However, Hamas expressed its willingness to enter negotiations “without delay” through international mediators, suggesting a readiness to engage in a broader peace process.
Shortly after the response was made public, Trump released a video message, saying he believes Hamas is now “serious about a lasting peace.” He urged the Israeli government to halt its military campaign in Gaza, citing the potential for meaningful diplomatic progress. “Now is the time to stop the bombs and start talking,” he said.
Despite the call, Israel has pressed ahead with its operations in Gaza. Airstrikes and artillery shelling continued into the early hours, reportedly killing at least seven Palestinians since dawn. The Israeli military has maintained that its campaign targets Hamas infrastructure and leadership, though civilian casualties remain high.
According to Gaza health authorities, the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of at least 66,288 Palestinians and left over 169,000 injured since October 2023. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas militants, and around 200 were taken hostage — many of whom remain unaccounted for.
While Hamas’s offer marks a notable gesture, it falls short of addressing Israel’s core demands, particularly around disarmament and recognition. The path to a comprehensive ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides showing little sign of scaling back military operations.
