Hamas Accepts Trump's Peace Proposal Amid Pressure on Netanyahu

In a significant diplomatic twist, reports from both Israeli and Arab media indicate that the Hamas movement has accepted President Trump's 21-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite Hamas's reservations about certain aspects of the plan, the group has been compelled by Qatari pressure to respond affirmatively. This strategic acceptance comes just in time for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled meeting with Trump on Monday, leaving little room for the Israeli leader to demand more time from the U.S. president. Trump's close associates, including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Thani, are said to have meticulously orchestrated the framework of this arrangement. Interestingly, during his recent visit to the U.S., Trump has engaged with Arab leaders and Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan more than with his own national security advisor and Secretary of State, showcasing a shift in diplomatic focus. Netanyahu, who had only recently arrived in New York, was confronted by Kushner and Witkoff almost immediately, armed with documents urging him to expedite a response to the conflict. In the week leading up to his U.S. trip, Netanyahu faced mounting pressure from his allies in Israel, especially from the right-wing settler movement, compelling him to address world expectations about the conflict during his speech at the UN General Assembly. His prior commitment to deliver a response about potential annexation of Palestinian territories, particularly Area C, was abruptly quashed by Trump, who stated that annexation would not be on the table. The dynamics between Netanyahu and Trump have become increasingly complex, with Trump's insistence on a cooperative approach between both leaders instead of one being seen as conceding to the other. The primary focus for Netanyahu remains securing his governmental power, amidst the anxiety of his constituents who are growing impatient over the perceived impasse between Israel and Palestine. Despite the hopeful atmosphere surrounding the negotiations, many Israelis are cautious about their leader's ability to adhere to Trump's initiatives, particularly given previous instances where Netanyahu has seemed to brush off U.S. proposals as unworkable. Families of hostages from the conflict are placing their hopes squarely on Trump, with relatives like Macabit Mayer expressing grim desperation, saying, "Our only hope is that Trump will bang his fist on the table." The drafted proposal reportedly assigns a managing role to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah once Hamas relinquishes control over Gaza—a stipulation that is proving highly contentious for Netanyahu, as he faces backlash from within his own party about this requirement. At the same time, Arab partners invested in Gaza’s reconstruction are insistent that the Palestinian Authority must play a role in rebuilding after the conflict. Notably, Trump's proposal diverges from some of the more radical concepts previously entertained, such as transforming Gaza into a tourist destination, incorporating it into U.S. territory, or relocating its population. Instead, the plan avoids direct references to Israeli occupation and the expansionist aspirations of fringe Israeli nationalists aiming for new settlements in Gaza. As Netanyahu prepares to return to Israel, he will undoubtedly encounter a storm of public sentiment and political pressure, regardless of how he chooses to navigate the situation with Trump's administration. The coming days will be pivotal, with both international and domestic ramifications surrounding the potential end of the Gaza war. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2