Hamas Expected to Respond Positively to Trump’s Gaza Plan, But Requests Changes

Hamas is expected to respond “positively” to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza, according to sources cited by The Times of Israel on Thursday, though it will simultaneously submit a series of requested changes. The response could come within hours, the report said. Arab mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have held constructive talks with Hamas leaders in Doha regarding the plan, which Trump unveiled on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the proposal, and several Arab nations have praised Washington’s efforts. Hamas’ requested changes aim to soften last-minute terms added by Netanyahu concerning Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas’ disarmament. Netanyahu secured modifications that slow down and limit Israel’s military pullout while tightening demands for Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s demilitarization. The U.S. proposal requires Hamas to release all hostages within 72 hours, fully disarm, and relinquish any future role in governing Gaza. In return, the war would end, and Israeli Defense Forces would gradually withdraw, replaced by an international force. Trump stated on Tuesday he was giving Hamas three to four days to respond, allowing minimal room for further negotiations. It remains unclear if the U.S. will entertain Hamas’ proposed amendments, as special envoy Steve Witkoff previously rejected such conditional responses—leading to a temporary withdrawal of American negotiators from Doha, followed by Israel. However, Hamas appears to have backing from key mediators Egypt and Qatar, whose leaders have recently suggested adjustments to the U.S. plan are necessary. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Egypt and France separately urged Hamas on Thursday to accept the deal, despite it signaling the end of the group’s two-decade rule over Gaza. Russian President Vladimir Putin also described the plan as a potential “light at the end of the tunnel.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told AFP from Saudi Arabia: “Hamas bears heavy responsibility for the destruction Palestinians have endured. It has lost. It must accept surrender.”