Hamas has conditionally accepted parts of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal, including the release of all Israeli hostages (both living and deceased) under an agreed exchange framework.
In response, Trump called for Israel to immediately halt bombing in Gaza to facilitate the safe and swift return of hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the plan, albeit with conditions: hostages must be freed within 72 hours, and Gaza must be demilitarized under Israeli oversight.
However, Hamas has flagged that certain points—especially governance of Gaza and long-term Palestinian rights—require further negotiation.
Trump has set a deadline of Sunday 6 p.m. (Washington time) for Hamas to accept the full plan or face unspecified but “massive” consequences.
Broader Context & Challenges
This is not the first such attempt: earlier ceasefires included phased hostage releases and prisoner exchanges under mediation by Qatar and Egypt.
International bodies have long pushed for a ceasefire and hostage agreement. For instance, UN Security Council Resolution 2735 calls for such a deal and for a pathway to lasting peace.
Yet, persistent obstacles remain:
Disarmament of Hamas: Hamas has not explicitly accepted full disarmament under the current proposal.
Gaza governance: The question of who manages Gaza after Hamas steps back is contentious. Hamas insists on Palestinian control, while the Trump plan suggests a transitional international body.
Enforcement and verification: Ensuring compliance from both sides (ceasefire, withdrawal, reconstruction) will require strong guarantees and monitoring from third parties.
Domestic political pressure: In Israel, far-right elements oppose any agreement perceived as giving Hamas any leverage. In Palestinian politics, factions may argue the deal compromises national rights.
What Happens Next
If Hamas fully accepts the proposal within the deadline, a ceasefire would begin immediately, and the hostage exchange would proceed within 72 hours.
Israel would begin phased withdrawal of forces from Gaza, while overseeing Gaza’s demilitarization and reconstruction under a transitional governance model.
If the deadline is missed or Hamas rejects the plan, fresh military escalation is likely, per Trump’s warnings.
Diplomats from Qatar, Egypt and other mediators are already engaging with both sides to iron out outstanding terms.
Why It Matters
For hostage families, this could be a turning point after nearly two years of anguish.
For Gaza’s civilian population, it may bring relief from continued bombardment, destruction, and humanitarian collapse.
For regional stability, a lasting deal could defuse one of the most volatile fronts in the Middle East.
But the fragility of this moment cannot be overstated. Any betrayal or backtracking by either side risks plunging the region back into deeper conflict.
