Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey Urge Hamas to Consider Trump's Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have urged Hamas to respond positively to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to reports. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met with Hamas leaders in Doha on Monday night, with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin joining the discussions on Tuesday. Al-Thani reportedly informed Hamas that securing a better deal would be unlikely and expressed confidence in Trump's commitment to ending the conflict. Hamas indicated it would review the proposal in good faith.

The proposed deal has garnered support from Western, Arab, and Muslim nations, as well as the Palestinian Authority. Russia and the Vatican have also expressed their backing. The plan includes the release of the remaining 48 hostages within 72 hours, in exchange for Israel releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, 1,700 Gazans detained since October 2023, and 15 bodies of deceased Gazans for every Israeli hostage's body. Additionally, the proposal outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of an international transitional government without Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Hamas's stance on the proposal. The BBC, citing a senior Hamas official, reported that the group views the offer as serving Israeli interests and is likely to reject it. A key point of contention is the requirement to release all hostages within 72 hours, which would eliminate Hamas's primary bargaining leverage. Conversely, Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted Hamas sources stating that the group would examine the offer positively, emphasizing the importance of ending the war. These sources noted that no clear date has been set for Hamas's response, but mediators have requested a reply within approximately two days.

Russia and the Vatican have joined the chorus of support for Trump's plan. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that the proposal would be implemented to bring events in the Middle East to a peaceful conclusion. Pope Leo XIV also praised the plan, expressing hope that Hamas would accept it within the established timeframe.

Meanwhile, U.S. anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian groups have criticized Trump's proposal. Representative Rashida Tlaib stated that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu do not have the authority to decide Gaza's future. Activist groups such as National Students for Justice in Palestine and the U.S. Palestinian Community Network have rejected the plan, emphasizing that the Palestinian people alone determine their path to liberation. Other groups have labeled the proposal as a blueprint for surrender and foreign control, expressing concerns over its implications for Palestinian sovereignty.

The situation remains fluid as Hamas continues to deliberate on the proposal, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments.