Hamas officially responds to Trump’s Gaza proposal
Hamas has officially responded to the Gaza cease-fire proposal from US President Donald Trump, expressing its acknowledgment of international efforts to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The group's statement, delivered to intermediaries, outlines its position on key elements of the plan, including prisoner exchanges and the future governance of Gaza.
Focus on Cease-Fire and Prisoner Exchange
Hamas stated it agrees to release all ‘Israeli’ captives, both living and deceased, according to the exchange formula outlined in Trump's proposal.
This is contingent on the full withdrawal of ‘Israeli’ forces from the Gaza Strip. The group emphasized its readiness to begin immediate negotiations with mediators to iron out the details of the exchange.
The statement noted that Hamas “acknowledges the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as those of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, a prisoner exchange, the immediate entry of aid, and the rejection of the occupation of the strip and the displacement of our Palestinian people.”
Gaza's Future Governance
The group also reiterated its support for a transitional administration in Gaza. It stated its approval to hand over the governance of the strip to a "Palestinian body of independent technocrats," which would be formed based on a national Palestinian consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic support.
Regarding other issues in Trump's proposal concerning the future of the Gaza Strip and the rights of the Palestinian people,
Hamas stated that any decisions on these matters must be part of a unified national Palestinian position. The group added that it would participate responsibly in a "comprehensive national Palestinian framework" to discuss these issues, which must be based on relevant international laws and resolutions.
The official statement from Hamas comes after what the group described as "extensive consultations" with its leadership, various Palestinian factions, and international mediators to reach a responsible position on the American plan.
