Hamas issued a formal response to the 20-point plan presented by the U.S. president and said it is willing to release "all prisoners of the occupation", in accordance with the exchange formula included in the proposal. The statement also notes the movement's willingness to enter into immediate negotiations to discuss the details of implementation.
The plan, presented by Donald Trump and supported by Israel and several Arab and European countries, proposes that Hamas hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a body of Palestinian technocrats with Arab and Islamic support, also contemplating its disarmament.
In exchange, halts in the Israeli offensive, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the massive entry of humanitarian aid are offered. Hamas replied positively to the proposal, although it clarified that it will attempt to negotiate some terms.
Imagénes de la Franja de Gaza.
In response, Donald Trump replied to the Palestinian group's statement, stating that "they are ready for a lasting peace" and called on Israel to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza to get the hostages out safely and quickly".
The White House had given the group until Sunday to accept or reject the offer, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would make statements regarding Hamas's "acceptance." U.S. authorities had not yet publicly replied to the details of the response when the statement was released.
The armed group said it appreciates the efforts of Donald Trump and the international community, who are demanding an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, and the immediate entry of aid. Regarding the specific issues of disarmament, a necessary condition demanded by the United States and Israel, Hamas avoided making a statement, although it expressed its intention to move forward with the plan and relinquish power.
The humanitarian and security context is alarming: the plan calls for international supervision of the territory, under the personal direction of Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, without providing for a path to reunification with the West Bank, and 2 million inhabitants would be under their administration.
The casualty and displacement figures published in official reports reflect the dramatic cost of the conflict since the October 7, 2023 attack, which alone claimed 1,200 lives and the kidnapping of 251 human beings.
Donald Trump, presidente de Estados Unidos.
Hamas's statement, accepting the implementation of the plan, opens a window for complex and high-risk negotiations. It remains to be seen whether the parties and mediators will agree on the specificities and mechanisms that the transition to peace requires, including the timing and forms of demilitarization.
