Hamas announced on Friday partial acceptance of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Under the plan, Hamas has agreed to relinquish control of Gaza to a politically neutral Palestinian technocratic body and to release all Israeli hostages still in its custody, living or deceased. The group signaled its readiness to enter immediate mediated talks to finalize the details of the agreement.
However, Hamas emphasized that several elements of the plan require further negotiations, particularly concerning Gaza’s future governance, disarmament, and Palestinian rights. The group insists that a unanimous Palestinian consensus and international law should guide these disputed issues.
President Trump, who unveiled the comprehensive plan earlier this week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has set a firm deadline of Sunday 6 PM Eastern time for Hamas to accept the terms. He warned that failure to comply would lead to an unprecedented escalation in military action.
The peace initiative calls for a ceasefire, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees, and international oversight during a transitional governance period. Despite significant points of contention, Hamas’s partial agreement marks a breakthrough in efforts to end the nearly two-year conflict that erupted following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Observers note that while Israel and supportive Arab states have endorsed the plan, substantial challenges remain ahead, including Hamas’s demand for broader Palestinian consultations and modifications. The international community is watching closely as the Sunday deadline approaches.