Hamas has opened the door to negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza.
New details are emerging about Hamas’ response to Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza.
Hamas has partially accepted Trump’s 20-point plan. This acceptance paves the way for the release of all Israeli hostages, both alive and dead. However, this release would only happen in exchange for specific conditions.
Internal Divisions within Hamas and Quiet Compromises
Hamas is deeply divided. Political leaders based abroad, such as Khalil Al-Hayya in Qatar, are pushing to accept the plan despite reservations. They see it as a chance for political survival. In contrast, military commanders in Gaza strongly oppose linking hostage release to an Israeli withdrawal or full disarmament, fearing a loss of local legitimacy.
Ezzedin al-Haddad, a key figure in Gaza, has proposed a discreet compromise: surrender rockets and heavy weapons but keep assault rifles. These are described as “defensive” weapons for internal security. This proposal reflects a pragmatic attempt to avoid a total collapse of the movement.
Conditions and Financial Pressures
Trump’s plan calls for the release of hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance. But Hamas insists on unspecified “ground conditions.” According to leaks, these include a swap: 48 hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 additional detainees, plus immediate humanitarian aid. This ratio marks an escalation compared to past negotiations.
Financial pressures also play a role. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are pushing Hamas to accept, motivated by promises of more than $50 billion in investments for Gaza’s reconstruction. Mediation has become an economic opportunity, with Qatar seeking a return on its past funding of Hamas.
International Connections and a Tight Deadline
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Trump’s “decisive leadership” in a discreet post on X. He expressed India’s support for a “just and lasting peace,” positioning the country as a diplomatic bridge between the West and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Israeli sources claim Netanyahu ordered drone strikes on a humanitarian flotilla off Tunisia last month. This suggests Israel is maintaining military pressure despite ongoing talks.
Trump has set an informal deadline: Sunday, October 6, at 6 p.m. for full acceptance of the plan. It includes creating a U.S.-led “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s demilitarization and economic recovery. Hamas has agreed to this technocratic framework but is requesting further discussions.
Historical Context and Internal Tensions
Hamas’ response recalls the failed Doha negotiations in 2024. At that time, a deal involving a hostage-for-ceasefire exchange was on the table but never materialized. Today, the logic remains the same: a truce in exchange for prisoner releases.
According to Israeli sources, Netanyahu was caught off guard by Hamas’ response. This reaction exposed weaknesses in Israel’s plan, which some officials view as too favorable to the Palestinians in the long term. It suggests internal tensions in Israel: on one side, preparations for hostage release; on the other, a determination to continue military operations, especially in Gaza City.
