SHARM EL-SHEIKH/DOHA: On the second anniversary of Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza, Hamas announced that it is willing to reach an agreement based on US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan — but only if its core demands are met. The statement came as indirect talks between Hamas and Israel resumed in Egypt, signaling what could become a complex and protracted negotiation process.
Trump, however, sounded upbeat about the talks, expressing hope that a broader peace might be achievable in the Middle East. “I think there’s a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East — beyond just Gaza,” he said during remarks at the Oval Office on Tuesday, confirming that a US team had already departed for the negotiations.
Hamas’ Demands and Position
Senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum outlined the group’s stance a day after talks began in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.
“The Hamas delegation participating in the current negotiations in Egypt is working to overcome all obstacles to reach an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people in Gaza,” Barhoum said in a televised statement.
He emphasized that any agreement must guarantee a complete end to the war, a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a full reconstruction effort overseen by a Palestinian “national technocratic body.” These demands, particularly the withdrawal condition, are ones Israel has historically refused to accept.
In return, Israel is pressing for Hamas to disarm, a condition that Hamas continues to reject. Palestinian factions have vowed to maintain armed resistance until full sovereignty is achieved.
International Mediation and Diplomatic Efforts
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that a US delegation led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff would arrive in Egypt on Wednesday to join the truce and prisoner-exchange talks.
In a joint press conference with German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Abdelatty said, “We had a long conversation with Steve Witkoff, who is expected in Egypt in the coming hours,” confirming intensified diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire.
The US administration has been coordinating with Egypt and Qatar to secure a comprehensive truce and prisoner exchange, but officials admit that significant gaps remain. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari noted that Israel had yet to honor its commitments under Trump’s plan.
“Regarding the ceasefire, this question should be directed first to the Israeli occupation government,” al-Ansari told reporters in Doha. “It was supposed to have already ceased fire if the prime minister’s statements about adhering to the Trump plan were genuine.”
Continuing Violence in Gaza
Despite ongoing diplomatic activity, Gaza saw renewed violence on Tuesday. Residents in Khan Younis and Gaza City reported heavy bombardments by Israeli tanks, aircraft, and naval forces during the early morning hours. The attacks underscored the fragile situation on the ground even as both sides claim to support the framework of Trump’s peace proposal.
The plan, endorsed in principle by both Hamas and Israel, envisions a comprehensive ceasefire, a large-scale prisoner release, and a massive humanitarian aid initiative for Gaza. The framework has also gained backing from several Arab and Western governments.
Trump’s Call for Immediate Ceasefire
After Hamas agreed last Friday to enter discussions on a prisoner exchange under the Trump plan, the US president publicly called on Israel to halt its military operations.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza so that we can get the prisoners out safely and quickly!”
However, with airstrikes continuing and Hamas’ core demands still unmet, it remains unclear whether the Trump initiative can produce a breakthrough — or if it will join the long list of stalled efforts to end the Gaza conflict.
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