Hamas Rejects Aspects of Gaza Peace Plan
Hamas has publicly pushed back on a Trump-brokered peace plan, stating that any international peacekeeping force must not interfere in the group’s “internal affairs.” As multi-party negotiations continue in Cairo, Hamas has also reiterated its demand that Israel first “end aggression” before plans for Gaza’s future governance can proceed.
- The peace deal is a 20-point plan officially titled the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," which was first announced by Donald Trump on September 29, 2025. - A new international body called the "Board of Peace," chaired by Trump, held its first meeting on February 19, 2026, to oversee Gaza's reconstruction; nine countries have pledged over $7 billion. - The proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) is expected to be a US-led force of up to 20,000 troops; Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania, and Kosovo have committed personnel. - While Hamas now says it is open to a peacekeeping force to monitor the ceasefire, it had initially been fervently against the idea when the US first proposed it. - Key negotiators in the ongoing talks include US envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, while Hamas's delegation is led by Khalil al-Hayya. - A fragile ceasefire officially began on October 10, 2025, to allow for the implementation of the deal's first phase, which included the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. - The plan proposes a transitional governing body of Palestinian technocrats; recruitment for a new Palestinian police force has begun, with Egypt and Jordan pledging to assist with training. - A key sticking point remains the issue of disarmament, with Israel insisting on it before reconstruction begins, while Hamas has rejected the proposed terms of demilitarization.
