Hamas claims that some aspects of US President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in Israel’s nearly two-year conflict with Gaza call for further negotiations, but that some aspects do so.
A knowledgeable source told Al Jazeera on Friday that Hamas had given the organization until Sunday to respond to Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan.
The Palestinian organization stated in a statement that it had agreed to “release all occupation captives, both living and dead,” in accordance with President Trump’s proposal’s exchange formula, including providing the necessary field conditions for the exchange.
It further stated that it was prepared to “discuss the details” of the exchange “immediately through mediators.”
On the basis of Palestinian national consensus and with Arab and Islamic support, the organization added that it was prepared to “hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats)”.
However, it stated that a “unanimous national position and relevant international laws and resolutions” should be used to decide the aspects of the proposal that concern “the future of the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
The statement comes after Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Hamas would be a “all HELL, like no one has ever seen, will break out against it” if a deal wasn’t reached by Sunday.
Trump’s strategy includes a call for the Hamas to disarm in addition to other issues that were not addressed in the Hamas statement.
Trump’s comments on Hamas’ “acceptance” of his proposal were revealed later on Friday by the White House press secretary.
Leavitt posted a picture of Trump addressing television cameras from his desk in response to Hamas’ acceptance of his peace plan in the “Behind the Scenes in the Oval Office” on X.
More discussions?
The Hamas statement “opened a window for negotiations,” according to Ali Hashem of Al Jazeera. There is a chance for a lot of exchange, he said within the upcoming 48 hours.
Hashem expressed concern for Hamas’ opposition to Blair’s plans for an international transitional body that would oversee post-war Gaza’s governance.
He noted that the Trump plan leaves no chance for a future Palestinian state with the West Bank that Israel has occupied.
They may have a lot of reservations because it, in some ways, isolates Gaza from the entire Palestinian cause. They don’t want Gaza to be cut off from the larger picture, Hashem said.
He said that “the majority of the Arab and Islamic countries” claimed that the paper they signed up to was different from what President Trump had stated. He claimed that Hamas’ reservations “could align with the Arab and Islamic positions.”
The armed group added that it applauded “the efforts of US President Donald Trump and other Arab, Islamic, and international efforts” in bringing the conflict to an end.
“Hamas exhibited a lot of positivity here,” praising President Trump’s initiative and accepting the paper’s spirit. They are demonstrating their willingness to extend their hand in this way,” Hashem said.
The ball is now in President Trump’s court, according to the statement. “They have reservations, they have some points that they want clarification over.”
Source: Aljazeera
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