Hamas and Trump’s Peace Plan

Donald Trump has set out a sweeping 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza,
combining a call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, a phased
Israeli withdrawal and the dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure.

The proposal, which has already won the backing of Israeli prime minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and several Arab governments, would see Gaza administered by a
transitional body of technocrats under international supervision, supported by an
international stabilisation force. Aid and reconstruction funding would flow in under the
scheme, but Hamas would be excluded from any governing role.

Central to the plan is the requirement that Hamas disarms and relinquish its authority in
Gaza. Hostages held by the group would be returned within 72 hours of agreement,
while Israeli operations would be frozen during the process. The proposals also include
the destruction of Hamas’s tunnels and weapons stockpiles and a long-term framework
for rebuilding Gaza’s economy.

Whether Hamas will accept remains uncertain. Analysts say the movement has
consistently rejected demands for total disarmament, seeing its military capacity as
essential to resistance and its legitimacy. The loss of political control in Gaza, which it
has held since 2007, is also viewed as a red line. While some officials have signaled
willingness to consider revisions, the plan leaves little scope for partial compliance.

If Hamas were to agree, its armed wing would effectively cease to exist, forcing the
organisation to shift towards a non-military political or social role. International monitors
would oversee security and governance, while reconstruction funds would be tied to
strict oversight. Such a deal would mark the end of Hamas’s role as Gaza’s governing
authority and open the door to large-scale rebuilding.

Rejection, however, risks leaving Hamas increasingly isolated. With Israel continuing
military operations and many Arab states aligning behind Trump’s initiative, the group
faces mounting diplomatic and economic pressure. Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, marked
by shortages of food, water and medical care, adds to the strain.

US officials have indicated that Trump himself will decide how long Hamas is given to
respond. Observers say the group’s ability to hold out depends on a combination of its
underground networks, continued support from regional backers and the resilience of
Gaza’s population. Some believe it could only withstand weeks of pressure, others
argue it retains the capacity to endure for months.

The outcome may determine not only the immediate trajectory of the war but the long-term-
term political future of Gaza, where the choices left to Hamas appear stark – accept a
peace that strips it of power, or face escalating isolation and decline.