Regulation
On Thursday, a Hamas official indicated that the group is evaluating a proposal from United States President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The proposal was discussed by Mohammed Nazzal, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, who noted that an official position would be announced shortly.
Key Elements of the Proposal
The proposal from the White House outlines several critical points:
- An immediate ceasefire
- An exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel
- A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Establishment of a transitional government led by an international body
President Trump has given Hamas a timeframe of three to four days to respond to the plan.
Regional Mediation Efforts
Egypt, in collaboration with Qatar and Turkiye, is actively working to persuade Hamas to accept the proposal. Speaking in Paris, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for Hamas to disarm to prevent further conflict in Gaza.
Abdelatty stated, “Displacement will not happen because it means the end of the Palestinian cause. We will not allow this under any circumstances.”
International Reactions
The European Union, through foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, has urged Hamas to accept the proposal, emphasizing the importance of releasing hostages and disarming. Russia has expressed conditional support, contingent on the proposal leading to a two-state solution.
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, remarked that Hamas must acknowledge its defeat, suggesting that members willing to coexist peacefully and relinquish weapons will receive amnesty, while others will be offered safe passage to other countries.
Potential Implications
The proposal’s success hinges on addressing governance and security arrangements, as emphasized by mediators. The plan has drawn comparisons to past Western interventions in the Middle East, with concerns about local input and involvement of foreign figures such as Tony Blair.
