Global Hope Rises as Hamas Responds to Trump’s Gaza Proposal
Global optimism is growing after Hamas announced its partial acceptance of United States President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, raising hopes of a potential end to Israel’s two-year-long war on Gaza. The Palestinian group expressed readiness to release all remaining captives and transfer power to other Palestinian authorities, though it stressed that several elements of the plan required more negotiations before full implementation.
Israel Reacts with Shock to Trump’s Ceasefire Call
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly reacted with “shock” to Trump’s demand that Israel immediately halt its bombing campaign in Gaza. According to Israeli media, Trump’s insistence that Hamas was ready for a “lasting peace” took the Israeli leadership by surprise. Later, Netanyahu’s office announced that the military was “preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage” of the plan, focusing on the release of hostages.
Uncertainty Over Israel’s Position on the Trump Gaza Peace Plan
Despite expressing cautious cooperation, Netanyahu’s office clarified that Israel would continue to work “in accordance with principles set out by Israel.” This suggests the government may resist changes to the original White House proposal. One of the major sticking points remains Hamas’s refusal to disarm — a key condition of Trump’s Gaza peace plan and a demand Israel considers non-negotiable.
Qatar and Egypt Welcome Hamas’s Move as ‘Positive Progress’
Qatar, a major mediator in Gaza negotiations, hailed Hamas’s statement as a “constructive step toward peace.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari emphasized Qatar’s support for Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian access. Similarly, Egypt welcomed what it described as a “positive development,” pledging to coordinate efforts with Arab nations, the US, and European partners to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Türkiye Sees Opportunity for an Immediate Ceasefire
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying Hamas’s response “provides an opportunity for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza.” Ankara urged all parties to seize this opportunity, stressing that ending the bloodshed was now within reach if negotiations are handled responsibly.
Palestinian Authority Stresses Unity and Sovereignty
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also welcomed the Hamas announcement, calling it a “step in the right direction.” Abbas underlined that sovereignty over the Gaza Strip must belong to the State of Palestine, and unity between the West Bank and Gaza must be restored under one legal and administrative framework. He urged swift humanitarian access, prisoner releases, and the start of reconstruction efforts.
Islamic Jihad Aligns with Hamas’s Position
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) affirmed that Hamas’s stance reflects the consensus among Palestinian resistance groups. A brief statement on Telegram said PIJ had “participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision,” signaling broad-based Palestinian agreement on engaging with Trump’s proposal.
Pakistan Backs Ceasefire but Denies Endorsing Trump’s Full Plan
Pakistan initially welcomed Hamas’s response to the Trump Gaza peace plan, calling it a “welcome step.” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that the move should result in an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access. However, Dar later clarified that Trump’s 20-point plan differed from the proposal jointly developed by Arab and Muslim nations at the UN General Assembly last month.
Trump’s Praise for Pakistan Sparks Controversy
Trump had earlier praised Pakistan’s leadership, claiming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir fully supported his Gaza plan. But following backlash in Pakistan, Dar told lawmakers that “changes were made in the plan,” asserting that Washington’s final draft was “not the same as ours.” The Pakistani parliament erupted in criticism, with opposition figures accusing the government of surrendering to US and Israeli interests.
Domestic Outrage Erupts in Islamabad
The Karachi-based Dawn newspaper reported widespread outrage among politicians, journalists, and civil society over Pakistan’s perceived endorsement of Trump’s plan. Former diplomat Abdul Basit called the move “a complete surrender,” arguing it ignored Palestinian statehood and East Jerusalem as its capital. Religious leader Allama Raja Nasir also condemned the proposal as “flawed and unjust,” saying it prioritized Israeli interests over Palestinian justice.
World Leaders Voice Cautious Optimism
Leaders from around the world have reacted positively yet cautiously to the Hamas response. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said the move was “encouraging” and urged all parties to “seize this opportunity to end the tragic conflict.” Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Trump’s “decisive leadership,” noting that indications of hostage releases mark “a significant step toward durable peace.”
Malaysia and France Emphasize Humanitarian Urgency
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said while the peace plan is “not perfect,” saving lives in Gaza must remain the immediate priority. He noted that Arab and Islamic countries’ endorsement of the plan does not imply total agreement but reflects a shared goal to “halt the bloodshed and ensure Palestinians can return home.” French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, urging that Hamas’s commitment be “followed up without delay.”
Europe and North America Rally Behind the Trump Gaza Peace Plan
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Trump’s proposal as “the best chance for peace,” fully endorsing the US-led initiative. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’s acceptance “a significant step forward,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Hamas’s pledge to release hostages and cede power. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to humanitarian aid and reiterated its recent recognition of a Palestinian state.
Critics Question Trump’s Vision for Palestinian Statehood
Despite global optimism, analysts remain skeptical about whether Trump’s Gaza peace plan provides a viable path to Palestinian sovereignty. The proposal envisions Gaza’s administration by a “Board of Peace” chaired by the US President and financed by Arab states. Critics argue the plan is vague on the question of statehood and risks consolidating external control over Palestinian governance.
A Fragile Window for Peace in Gaza
As global leaders debate the next steps, the world watches whether this moment of opportunity can translate into lasting peace. The Hamas response to the Trump Gaza peace plan has opened a narrow but significant diplomatic window. Whether Israel, the Palestinians, and their allies can agree on the remaining terms will determine if Gaza finally emerges from two years of war into a future of fragile hope.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Trump Gaza Peace Plan
1. What is Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan?
Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan is a 20-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. It includes terms for a ceasefire, release of hostages, phased Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction of Gaza funded by Arab states. The plan also envisions Gaza being administered by a “Board of Peace” chaired by the US President.
2. How did Hamas respond to Trump’s Gaza plan?
Hamas announced a partial acceptance of the Trump Gaza peace plan, agreeing to release all remaining hostages and hand over governance to other Palestinian authorities. However, Hamas said some elements of the proposal still require further negotiation, and it made no commitment to disarm — one of Israel’s key demands.
3. What was Israel’s reaction to the Trump Gaza peace plan?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly reacted with surprise to Trump’s call for an immediate halt to bombings in Gaza. While Israel said it is ready to coordinate the release of hostages, it also stated that any implementation must align with Israel’s own security principles, signaling possible resistance to certain aspects of the plan.
4. Which countries have supported the Trump Gaza peace plan?
Countries including Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, India, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada have welcomed Hamas’s response to Trump’s Gaza plan. They view it as a step toward achieving a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza. However, some nations, like Malaysia and Pakistan, expressed cautious or conditional support.
5. Why did Pakistan face backlash for supporting Trump’s plan?
Pakistan’s initial support for the Trump Gaza peace plan sparked domestic outrage, with critics claiming it compromised Palestinian sovereignty. Later, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified that Trump’s published plan differed from the version Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries had proposed at the UN, which emphasized Palestinian statehood.
6. Does Trump’s Gaza peace plan include Palestinian statehood?
The plan’s language on Palestinian statehood remains unclear. While it mentions reconstruction and governance under international oversight, it does not guarantee the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital — a major concern for many Arab and Muslim nations.
7. What role is the United Nations playing in the peace process?
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed Hamas’s partial acceptance and urged both sides to seize the opportunity for peace. The UN continues to support diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid distribution, and a long-term political solution based on international law.
8. What happens next after Hamas’s response?
Following Hamas’s statement, diplomatic talks are expected to intensify among the United States, Arab states, Israel, and Palestinian representatives. The next steps involve formalizing the ceasefire, securing the release of hostages, and determining Gaza’s post-war administration and reconstruction process.
