Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A potential breakthrough in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip may be on the horizon as multiple sources confirm that Hamas and other Palestinian factions are leaning toward accepting a U.S.-backed peace proposal spearheaded by former President Donald Trump. According to a report by CBS News, the factions are expected to deliver their formal response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Wednesday.
The proposed plan, which was unveiled during a high-profile press conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing alongside Trump, outlines a multi-stage process intended to halt hostilities and lay the groundwork for long-term governance reform in Gaza. The initiative includes 20 provisions focused on immediate ceasefire measures, humanitarian relief, prisoner exchanges, and transitional governance.
At its core, the plan calls for a swift cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas both living and deceased within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the deal, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces under certain conditions. In return, Israel is expected to release a large number of Palestinian detainees from its prisons. While Netanyahu appeared to signal approval of the plan during the White House event, subsequent reports indicate that he has since pushed for modifications, particularly regarding the timeline and conditions of the Israeli withdrawal.
The administration of Gaza, under this plan, would transition temporarily to a technocratic Palestinian committee tasked with managing essential services. This body would operate under the oversight of an international “Peace Council” chaired by Trump himself, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair named as one of its members. While the arrangement avoids assigning direct administrative control to the Palestinian Authority (PA), it leaves open the possibility of its return to Gaza in the future, contingent upon institutional reforms and a stable security environment.
The PA, for its part, has welcomed the proposal, expressing willingness to cooperate with the United States in a renewed push for peace. In an official statement issued via the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the PA affirmed its commitment to holding presidential and legislative elections within a year of the war’s conclusion a significant gesture in response to widespread calls for democratic renewal.
Regional and international responses to the Trump plan have been cautiously optimistic. In a rare display of unity, several key Arab and Islamic nations including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia issued a joint statement expressing support. The coalition voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to broker a pathway toward peace and welcomed his commitment to halting any unilateral annexation of the West Bank.
European leaders have also responded positively. European Council President António Costa remarked that Netanyahu’s initial openness to the plan was a promising sign, calling on all parties to “seize the moment and give peace a genuine chance.” Similarly, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed any initiative that could lead to a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
However, reactions on the ground in Gaza remain mixed, reflecting a deep skepticism born from decades of broken promises and failed diplomacy. “Trump is Israel. America always stands with Israel,” said a displaced resident from Deir al-Balah who has been forced to flee his home 14 times since the outbreak of the war. Others, however, expressed cautious hope. “Anything that stops the bloodshed and massacres is a good thing,” another resident said.
Despite this growing momentum, serious challenges remain. Netanyahu’s recent alterations to the original plan particularly surrounding security arrangements and the demilitarization of Hamas have introduced new complexities. Some diplomatic observers fear that these adjustments could complicate efforts to secure a unified response from Palestinian factions or delay the already fragile negotiations.
Still, the fact that Hamas is reportedly preparing a formal response suggests a notable shift in its posture and a potential willingness to engage with a plan that, while imperfect, could represent the most viable diplomatic path forward in years. Whether the factions ultimately accept the deal and whether Netanyahu’s revised version can maintain broad international backing remain open questions.
As mediators prepare for the next round of talks, the region stands at a critical crossroads. The coming days could determine whether the Trump plan becomes a foundation for peace or another missed opportunity in a long and tragic conflict.
