Gaza between annihilation and a chance of survival — Hamas under pressure

Mustafa Ibrahim
The genocidal war in Gaza seems to begin anew each day: destruction, killing and hunger, criminal threats issued by Israeli security minister Israel Katz, and devastation swallowing towers and neighborhoods without mercy. The city reels under the invasion, half occupied and the other half threatened with collapse, while people are trapped between fear, hunger and the loss of loved ones. They have nothing but prayer, while politicians trade calculations and maneuvers.

In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump has put forward a new proposal for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, alive and dead. But the proposal appeared tailored to Israel, and it is inconceivable that the Americans would draft it without the fingerprints of the occupation and its interests. The proposal makes clear that the solution — according to the U.S. view — runs through serving Israel’s interests first. At the same time, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed similar messages to Hamas via Israeli activist Gershon Baskin, about ideas for a comprehensive deal to end the war.

People in Gaza received the news with a mixture of hope and suspicion. Hope, because mere talk of stopping the war restores a glimmer of life amid a sea of blood; suspicion, because they have experienced similar promises that turned into deception and more bombing. They know that Israel is skilled at using negotiations as cover to buy time while intensifying destruction and displacement. Therefore, any deal not coupled with real guarantees quickly becomes a new nightmare.

Today, Hamas finds itself in a difficult and unenviable position. It is required to act swiftly and not to reject any serious opportunity, and to present practical proposals that contribute to stopping the genocide and saving what remains of the people. It is the party to which pressure and messages are directed, and it holds the decision to enter negotiations or simply refuse. The dilemma before it is twofold: on the one hand, the street in Gaza can no longer endure another day of killing and displacement; on the other, any agreement requires clear international guarantees, so that the scenario of reneging on previous understandings does not recur, as happened with the 18/8/2025 proposal that the movement accepted but which was not implemented.

Pressure on Hamas is greater than ever. What is required are courageous decisions — not concessions, but taking responsibility to stop the genocide and save what remains of Gaza. Courage here means engaging seriously and swiftly with any real opportunity, and extracting clear commitments from Israel and the international community, even though the deal is booby-trapped and does not meet the movement’s full ambition to preserve its autonomy in the Strip. Every delay means more blood under the rubble.

The equation has become clear: the war has reached a military dead end, and its continuation will change nothing except multiply the victims. Washington itself recognizes this fact, but recognition is not enough unless translated into an official, actionable initiative.

Gaza today faces two options: continuous extermination in all its brutality, or a deal that could form the last thread of hope to save lives. The moment of truth for Hamas has become decisive: seize the opportunity, or bear the consequences of a war that destroys both people and buildings.