Hamas accepts part of Trump’s Gaza plan and agrees to release hostages
Hamas said he would release Israeli hostages under President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but refused to disarm them before Israel could end the occupation.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has warned of a “complete erasure” if Hamas insists on maintaining power in Gaza, as negotiations are set to end a bloody war between Israel and Palestinian extremist groups are set this week.
Hamas said on October 3 that he agreed to release all living or dead Israelis hostages under the conditions of Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan and is expected to enter mediation negotiations to discuss Egyptian details.
According to the text of the proposal, Gaza will also be redeveloped with the option of Palestinians wanting to stay in the country. Hamas fighters will get pardon and the territory will come under temporary governance by a new Palestinian commission, which will be overseen by the “Committee of Peace.” Trump personally chaired the panel along with other foreign leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The group also agreed to hand over the control of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian body and said it was willing to discuss other aspects of Trump’s proposal as part of the much-anticipated talks.
But what was missing from the response was a commitment to not play a role in Gaza governance. When asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper what would happen if Hamas insisted on staying power, Trump wrote via text message, “Full ofliteration!”
The world is holding its breath for a potential ceasefire deal in the region, but Hamas’ response quickly frowned upon among American lawmakers. Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham wrote to X that Hamas’ reaction to Trump’s plan was “unfortunately unpredictable” and “classic “yes.”
“Disarmament is also putting Gaza under Palestinian control, linking the release of hostages to negotiations and tying them along with other issues,” Graham wrote. “This is essentially Hamas’ rejection of President Trump’s proposal to “take it or leave it.” ”
When Tupper asked if Graham was wrong, Trump replied, “We’ll know. Only time will know!!!”
Trump also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has concluded his bombing campaign in Gaza and has made Trump’s peace proposal a reality. He said he knew “quickly” whether Hamas was really committed to peace, but he didn’t immediately provide any additional details.
Israel began attacking Gaza on October 7, 2023 after Israel’s Hamas-led attack on Israel. According to Israeli tally, around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.
Israeli forces have killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, according to Gaza health authorities.
Contributors: Francesca Chambers, Kim Fjelmgaard, Joey Garrison, Kathryn Palmer, USA Today; Reuters
