Hamas is expected to push for revisions to Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire proposal but is likely to use it as a foundation for further talks, according to analysts and sources close to the group. Trump has given Hamas “three or four days” from Tuesday to respond or face what he described as “paying in hell.” The plan—already accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—calls for ending the two-year war, returning hostages, and placing Gaza under indefinite international administration. Critics note the text was shaped largely around Israel’s demands without consulting Hamas, making unconditional acceptance highly unlikely.

One of the most contentious provisions is the requirement for Hamas to disarm completely, a demand seen as nearly impossible without a broader political process or progress toward a two-state solution. Internal divisions within Hamas, split across Gaza, Doha, and Istanbul, complicate the group’s position, as more pragmatic leaders abroad face pushback from the military wing in Gaza. Turkey and Qatar are pressuring Hamas to compromise, but any sign of resistance risks giving Israel and the U.S. justification to escalate. The war—triggered by Hamas’ deadly October 2023 raid into southern Israel—has since left over 66,000 Palestinians dead, displaced millions, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations in the days ahead.

SOURCE: The Guardian