Hamas Faces Dilemma Over Trump's Ultimatum for Gaza Ceasefire

As tensions continue in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has so far refrained from officially commenting on the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, some representatives within the organization have hinted at a willingness to seek clarifications and amendments to the twenty points outlined in the proposal. The plan, heavily skewed in favor of Israel, presents an ultimatum characterized by a tight timeframe for responses. Trump emphasized that Hamas must reply by 6 PM Washington time on Sunday, which he dubbed a last chance. Following this, he suggested a timeframe of three to four days for a response, leaving open-ended threats of continued military support for Israel should Hamas refuse to comply. Reportedly, Hamas is considering acceptance of the plan, but only under specific conditions. Key aspects of the proposal entail an immediate ceasefire, during which the group would have a 72-hour window to release all Israeli hostages—both alive and deceased—in exchange for the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners. The plan also forecasts a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the Strip, though it still allows for an extensive buffer zone to be maintained. In the crucial hours leading up to the plan's presentation by Trump, Netanyahu appears to have successfully negotiated significant changes without consensus from Qatar and Egypt, the mediators involved in the discussions between Israel and Hamas. Particularly contentious is the condition linking the military withdrawal to Hamas's disarmament, featuring indefinite timelines that give the Israeli army the option to maintain control in the buffer zone. In response to the emerging situation, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey's governments are engaged in talks with the U.S. to potentially amend several elements of the proposal, hoping to persuade Hamas to accept its terms. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty remarked on the numerous gaps that need to be addressed regarding Gaza’s future. Hamas's main concerns involve securing guarantees about the timeline and conditions of the Israeli withdrawal, particularly in light of the proposed mass release of hostages—an issue they regard as their primary bargaining tool. Additionally, Hamas rejects demands for disarmament and the introduction of an international stabilizing force within the Strip, which the plan suggests for ensuring long-term security. Recent reports from international and Israeli media suggest internal turmoil within Hamas, indicating a split between members. Some within the political leadership based in Qatar are inclined to accept the plan, while opposition persists from the military wing, which is responsible for the hostages. A spokesperson for Hamas informed Al Jazeera that the organization will provide a response to Trump’s proposal soon, leaving many to ponder what stance it will ultimately take as the clock ticks down on this momentous decision. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3