Hamas responds to Trump’s Gaza proposal

Hamas issued a measured response to former President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza proposal, accepting some elements while rejecting others as incompatible with Palestinian sovereignty and its political role. The group signalled readiness for an immediate ceasefire, hostage–prisoner exchanges and the formation of an interim technocratic administration to oversee humanitarian affairs in Gaza under international supervision. It stopped short of agreeing to full disarmament and opposed any transfer of long-term security control to Israel-backed forces, calling such demands humiliating and unacceptable.

Hamas stressed that any settlement must be negotiated collectively by Palestinian factions and comply with international law, not imposed unilaterally.

U.S President Donald Trump said: "Thank you to the countries that helped—Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and others. Many people worked hard to make this possible. We must finalize the details and secure the release of hostages so they can return to their families. This is a significant, perhaps unprecedented, step toward ending the war and achieving peace in the Middle East. Thank you — everyone will be treated fairly."

Regional actors moved quickly to engage following Hamas’ reply. Qatar said it had begun coordinating with Egypt and the United States to pursue talks; Egypt voiced hope the response could help implement the proposal and pledged to work with Arab and Western partners to secure a lasting ceasefire. The United Nations expressed cautious encouragement. U.S. and regional diplomacy has focused on turning parts of the plan into negotiable steps — particularly hostage releases and temporary administration for relief — while avoiding measures that would preclude Palestinian self-determination.

Hamas framed its acceptance of certain terms as pragmatic, aimed at alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, but insisted any agreement must guarantee a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and safeguards for Palestinian sovereignty. Leaders accused the plan of repackaging previous approaches that legitimise occupation if disarmament and political exclusion are required.

Washington and regional mediators are reportedly continuing consultations to refine implementation details. Hamas said it is willing to enter negotiations on issues related to its arms and political status, but maintained preconditions tied to an end to Israeli aggression and a broader Palestinian settlement framework.