Khaberni - Hamas responded yesterday evening, Friday, to the plan of American President Donald Trump for the future of Gaza, including ending Israel's war on the sector.
The movement accepted some key parts of Trump's plan, such as ending the war and Israel's withdrawal, the release of Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners, aid, reconstruction efforts, and rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from the sector.
However, there are clear differences between Hamas's statement and Trump's plan regarding the administration of Gaza and Hamas's participation in the future of the sector. The movement said it is seeking further talks. Below is a comparison between Hamas's statement and Trump's plan:
So, what did Hamas say it was ready to accept in Trump's plan?
* Release of Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners:
Hamas said it would release "all occupation prisoners alive and dead bodies according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal, with field conditions provided for the exchange process."
It did not specify what "field conditions" meant. It said it was ready to enter into talks immediately through mediators to discuss further details.
Trump's plan stipulates that Hamas would return all detainees "within 72 hours of Israel openly accepting this agreement."
Trump's proposal states that afterward, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, in addition to 1700 residents of Gaza detained by Israel since October 7, 2023, including all women and children. Trump's plan states that for every Israeli detainee whose remains are handed over, Israel will release the remains of 15 martyrs from Gaza residents.
* Ceasefire, end of war, and Israeli withdrawal:
Hamas said it agreed to a framework "that achieves a cessation of the war and a complete withdrawal from the sector," and Hamas's statement did not mention any different stages of Israeli withdrawal and said it rejects the Israeli occupation.
Trump's plan states that "Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed line to prepare for the release of the hostages." It said that during that period, the Israeli military campaign would be suspended, including air and artillery bombing, and "combat lines will remain frozen until the conditions for a full gradual withdrawal are met."
* Aid, reconstruction, and non-displacement of Palestinians:
Hamas welcomed Trump's plan to increase aid to Gaza without calling for the displacement of Palestinians from the sector.
Trump's plan states that aid would be sent immediately to Gaza in quantities consistent with the January 19 agreement. It would also include rehabilitating infrastructure, hospitals, bakeries, and introducing equipment needed for debris removal and road opening. The aid will be managed through the United Nations, the Red Cross, and other international institutions under the plan.
Hamas said it rejects the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Trump's plan states that "no one will be forced to leave," and those who wish to leave will have the freedom to return. Trump's plan encouraged Palestinians to stay in Gaza.
Points where Hamas disagrees with Trump's plan
* Foreign intervention in the interim governance of Gaza:
Trump's plan states that "Gaza will be governed under a temporary transitional administration to be held by a Palestinian committee of technocrats and politically independent individuals," but it does not specify any particular Palestinian individual or group by name to participate in the transitional stage.
Trump's plan says the committee will be under the supervision of a new international transitional authority chaired by Trump and will include other members, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Hamas said it would agree to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip "to a Palestinian authority of independents (technocrats) based on national Palestinian consensus and based on Arab and Islamic support." Hamas had previously offered to hand over the administration of Gaza to a different body.
Hamas did not comment on the proposal to deploy a "temporary international force to stabilize" Gaza under Trump's plan, which the United States would work towards with Arab partners.
* No role for Hamas in the future of Gaza:
Trump's plan states that Hamas "will agree to have no role in the governance of Gaza, whether directly, indirectly, or in any form." The plan also stated that there would be a "process for the disarmament of Gaza."
In its response, the movement said this "is linked to a national position involving all relevant international laws and resolutions, and it will be discussed through a comprehensive Palestinian national framework with Hamas included and responsibly contributing."
Hamas's statement issued yesterday Friday did not comment on disarmament. The movement had previously rejected such demands. Hamas's statement did not comment on Trump's plan's proposal to grant amnesty and safe passage to Hamas members who "lay down" their arms.
