Hamas officials are seeking changes to crucial clauses in US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, according to a Palestinian source close to the group's leadership. The discussions, which took place in Doha, involved Turkish, Egyptian, and Qatari officials, highlighting the complexity of the negotiations. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, noted that Hamas needed just a few days to provide a formal response.
Trump's plan, strongly backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, the disarmament of Hamas, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Hamas leaders are pushing for modifications to certain provisions, particularly those related to disarmament and the treatment of Hamas and faction members.
The Palestinian group is also seeking international guarantees to ensure Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza and assurances that no targeted assassinations will occur inside or outside the territory. The call for guarantees comes amid heightened tensions, especially after six people were killed in a recent Israeli strike targeting Hamas officials in Doha.
Hamas remains in contact with multiple regional and Arab parties, though details of these discussions have not been disclosed. The group itself appears divided over Trump's proposal. One faction supports immediate acceptance, prioritizing a ceasefire backed by Trump, contingent on the mediators ensuring Israel adheres to the plan.
Other factions, however, express strong reservations about key clauses. They reject unconditional disarmament and oppose the removal of any Palestinian citizen from Gaza. Their stance emphasizes a conditional agreement that addresses Hamas's demands and protects resistance factions, ensuring that Gaza's occupation is not legitimized while resistance activities are criminalized.
Internal debate continues within Hamas, with some members outright rejecting the peace plan. Negotiations are ongoing, and the outcome will depend on reconciling these differing positions. Observers suggest that clarity on the group's stance and any amended proposals may emerge in the coming days, reflecting both internal divisions and external diplomatic pressures.Source: