While Hamas is open to trading hostages for Palestinian prisoners and transferring governance to an independent Palestinian body, it remains silent on disarmament—a non-negotiable for Israel
Ahead of much-awaited talks in Egypt and hopes of a possible ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday urged Israel and Hamas to “move fast” on the Gaza peace plan, warning that failure to do so may lead to “massive bloodshed”. Trump also wrote on his Truth Social platform that there have been “positive discussions” with Hamas and other countries over the Gaza peace plan.
“There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) this weekend, to release the Hostages, end the War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought PEACE in the Middle East. These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly. The technical teams will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to work through and clarify the final details. I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST. I will continue to monitor this Centuries old “conflict.” TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE OR, MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW — SOMETHING THAT NOBODY WANTS TO SEE!” he wrote
Delegations from the U.S., Israel, Hamas and Middle Eastern countries are meeting in Egypt for talks that could pave the way for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages but there seem to be many a many a slip between the cup and the lip. Trump’s plan has sparked cautious optimism but also faces major hurdles.
Israel’s agreement to begin implementing the first stage signals willingness under U.S. pressure. Hamas’s partial acceptance—offering to release hostages and transfer power—suggests negotiations are possible. However, core issues remain unresolved. Hamas has not agreed to disarm, and several aspects of the deal require broader Palestinian consensus, risking delays. Palestinians may also view the plan as favouring Israel and failing to offer a path to statehood or Gaza–West Bank reunification.
“Benjamin Netanyahu’s agreement to implement the first stage shows Israel is open to the plan, likely under U.S. pressure but Hamas’s refusal to disarm and the lack of unified Palestinian leadership complicate implementation. Years of broken ceasefires have eroded trust. A simultaneous hostage release and troop withdrawal would require tight coordination—logistically and politically challenging,” say analysts.
