In a dramatic development, Hamas has announced that it will accept key terms of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The proposal, backed by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for the release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and a new roadmap for Gaza’s governance.
Yet, skepticism dominates. While Hamas claims to be “ready for peace,” its violent history and repeated betrayals make its promises far from reliable. For Israel, the stakes remain existential: security cannot rest on words from a group that carried out the October 7 massacre.
Trump’s Call to Halt Bombing
Trump urged Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza so that Phase 1 of his plan, the safe release of hostages, can be carried out. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!” he posted on Truth Social.
He stressed that this is not just about Gaza but the broader peace of the Middle East. However, Israeli airstrikes have continued, reflecting both caution and the recognition that Hamas often uses ceasefires to regroup and rearm.
What Hamas Claims to Accept
Hamas has signaled willingness to:
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Release all Israeli hostages and return bodies of the deceased.
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Allow a transfer of power in Gaza to an interim Palestinian technocrat-led administration.
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Support humanitarian aid distribution monitored by the UN and the Red Crescent.
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Permit a U.S.-led stabilization force to maintain order.
Trump hailed the move as a possible turning point: “I believe they are ready for lasting peace… Everyone hopes Israel will stop the war.”
Yet, Hamas leaders also insisted on “broader conditions,” leaving room for ambiguity, an ambiguity that Israel cannot afford.
Israel’s Position: Security First
Israel’s dilemma is stark. Accepting Hamas’s words at face value risks repeating past mistakes, where ceasefires were broken and tunnels were rebuilt. The Trump plan calls for Hamas’s complete demilitarization and an end to all armed structures in Gaza. That requirement remains the true test, and the one Hamas has consistently resisted.
For Israel, security is non-negotiable. Hostage release is vital, but without permanent disarmament, peace is a mirage.
India’s Backing of Diplomacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly welcomed Trump’s efforts, highlighting India’s support for peace in West Asia. “We welcome President Trump’s leadership… indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward,” PM Modi said.
India’s position aligns with its long-standing emphasis on stability, humanitarian relief, and reconstruction. New Delhi’s support also reflects its growing role as a diplomatic voice in global conflict resolution.
A Plan with Promise, But Can Hamas Deliver?
Trump’s plan envisions more than a ceasefire:
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Economic reconstruction of Gaza with global investment.
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A terror-free zone under international monitoring.
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Safe passage for Hamas members choosing peaceful reintegration.
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Eventual Palestinian statehood under a reformed authority.
On paper, it is comprehensive. In practice, it hinges on Hamas renouncing the very violence that defines its existence. Trusting an armed group with a history of betrayal to suddenly become a partner in peace is, at best, optimistic.
The coming days are critical. If Israel halts bombing and Hamas releases hostages immediately, Trump’s plan may gain momentum. But if Hamas delays, hedges, or backtracks, skepticism will harden into certainty.
