Hamas faces tough dilemma as Trump plan lacks timelines and Gaza negotiations are fraught with obstacles
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
Washington and Tel Aviv are awaiting Hamas’s response to the U.S. proposal on Gaza, amid expectations of a “yes, but” stance — a position also hinted at by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Complex security hurdles
The proposal does not include clear timelines, while Israel insists on Hamas’s agreement before any political track can begin, to be followed by an Israeli delegation to Doha. Security files remain the most difficult, such as the phased withdrawal of the Israeli army, cessation of intelligence activity, and mechanisms for troop deployments.
On the political front, discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction are still in their early stages. Trump announced the formation of a “Peace Council” chaired by him, including Tony Blair and representatives from other countries, alongside plans to form a joint Arab force; however, the countries involved have not yet given official approval. Estimates point to the possible participation of thousands of troops from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Azerbaijan.
The disagreement extends to the issue of prisoners, where Israel has announced its refusal to release prominent Palestinian figures such as Marwan Barghouti. Around 280 prisoners are serving life sentences, raising internal debate over the possibility of releasing most of them.
Domestic Israeli positions
Any agreement is expected to be presented to Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, where it is likely to secure a majority despite opposition from the hard right. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the ceasefire would be gradual and conditional on the deployment of Arab or international forces, in a process that could take weeks or months.
The plan includes a partial opening of crossings and the delivery of humanitarian aid, in addition to beginning the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip’s infrastructure.
The Qatari prime minister expressed cautious welcome for the plan, saying it achieves the goal of ending the war but remains “general principles” that need to be developed and detailed, stressing that Arab and Islamic countries will support the Palestinians if a formula is reached that preserves their rights.
