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Palestinian Arabs

Hamas Accepts Partial Elements of Trump's Gaza Deal, Spurring Uncertainty

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the 2-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel approaches, US President Donald Trump has given Hamas an ultimatum to accept his plan to end the war in Gaza by Sunday evening. While Hamas has accepted some elements of the plan, including releasing all remaining hostages and giving up power, it has expressed reservations about other aspects that require further consultations among Palestinians.

In return for Hamas' acceptance, the plan proposes placing Gaza under international governance, with Trump himself and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo overseeing it. The deal also involves Israel halting its offensive and withdrawing from much of the territory, releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allowing an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction.

Despite initial skepticism from key mediators Egypt and Qatar, the US and Israel have welcomed the plan. However, Palestinians view the proposal as strongly favoring Israel and are wary of future implications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas has accepted some elements of the Trump plan, including releasing all remaining hostages and giving up power, but has expressed reservations about other aspects that require further consultations among Palestinians.
  • The plan proposes placing Gaza under international governance, with Trump himself and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo overseeing it.
  • Israel would halt its offensive and withdraw from much of the territory, releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allowing an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction.
  • The deal would cancel plans to exert greater control over Gaza, which has been sealed off from food, medicine, and other goods since March.
  • Hamas has rejected terms that demand surrender and disarmament, instead seeking a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.

Statistics:

  • 48 hostages remaining to be released by Hamas
  • 20 of the hostages believed to be alive
  • 66,000 Palestinians killed in the Israeli retaliatory offensive, according to Gaza's Health Ministry
  • 400,000 people have fled Gaza City, with hundreds of thousands more staying behind
  • The territory of Gaza has been sealed off from food, medicine, and other goods for 2 1/2 months
  • Israel has seized, flattened, and largely depopulated large areas of Gaza

Sources:

  • AP, "Hamas accepts some elements of Trump's Gaza plan, but also has reservations" (no date)
  • Trump, social media post, "An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time" (no date)
  • The Associated Press, "Gaza's War: How Many Have Been Killed and Displaced" (no date)
  • Khaled, "Hamas Says it's Open to Talks, but Rejection of Ceasefire Terms Continues" (no date)
  • AP, "Trump Unveils Plan to End Gaza War, Release Hostages" (no date)

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