President Trump has presented Hamas’ acceptance of key parts of his 20 Point Plan as a major breakthrough toward ending the Gaza war and building “peace in the Middle East,” and he is pressing the warring parties to begin implementing its terms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although skeptical that Hamas will abide by the Trump plan, has agreed to Trump’s insistence that he cease offensive operations against remaining Hamas strongholds and plan for a partial, interim withdrawal from the enclave. Hamas leaders, perhaps facing pressure from hardline Hamas militia commanders in Gaza, have expressed willingness to yield power in Gaza but have not yet agreed to the plan’s requirement that the group’s military wing disarm. It remains unclear whether Hamas will immediately release the remaining 48 Israeli hostages, living and deceased, or delay freeing them until broader aspects of the Trump plan are agreed.
Hamas Responds to the Trump 20 Point Plan – The Soufan Center
