A senior Hamas figure has told the BBC that the group is unlikely to accept United States President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, arguing it “serves Israel’s interests” and “ignores those of the Palestinian people.”
The official said Hamas is not prepared to disarm or surrender its weapons—one of the central conditions of Trump’s 20-point framework. The group also opposes the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, calling it “a new form of occupation.”
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the plan during talks in Washington, Hamas has yet to deliver a formal response. Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that Hamas is “studying the proposal responsibly.”
Discussions involve Hamas leaders inside and outside Gaza, but insiders suggest military commander Ez al-Din al-Haddad is pushing to continue armed resistance rather than accept the proposal. Figures outside Gaza, who lack direct control over hostages, appear increasingly sidelined in the decision-making process.
Other Palestinian groups are also weighing in. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which participated in the October 7 attack on Israel, rejected the plan outright on Tuesday.
A map of Gaza released by the Trump administration further fueled concerns, showing a possible buffer zone along the border with Egypt. If administered with Israeli involvement, Hamas fears it would amount to an extension of occupation.
Trump warns Hamas to accept Gaza ceasefire plan in 4 days
On the other hand, United States President Donald Trump has given Hamas “three or four days” to respond to his Gaza ceasefire plan, warning that failure to accept it could have grave consequences.
The proposal, already backed by Israel and some Arab states, lays out a framework for ending the two-year war in Gaza.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said Hamas must decide quickly.
“Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end,” the US president remarked. Asked whether there was space for negotiation, he replied: “Not much.”
Trump also thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met him in Washington on Monday, for agreeing to the plan.
