Hamas gives partial consent to Trump’s peace proposal

 International Desk | PNN:

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has finally given its response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. In this proposal, Hamas has agreed to hand over the administration of Gaza to Palestinian technocrats and to the release of all prisoners held by Israel.

However, Hamas’s response makes no mention of a key issue—its disarmament—which remains one of Israel’s principal demands. Hamas has stated that it is ready to “immediately enter” peace talks through mediators.

This partial consent from Hamas has raised hopes worldwide, as it may pave the way to ending the two-year-long Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. Still, some critical unresolved issues remain.

Meanwhile, despite Trump’s directive to Israel to halt bombings in Gaza, Israeli attacks have continued. Early Saturday morning, an Israeli drone strike west of Gaza City killed one Palestinian and injured several others. Reports indicate that since dawn, at least 20 people, including those seeking aid, have been killed in Israeli strikes.

Although the attacks continue, displaced Palestinians sheltering in central Gaza are beginning to see hope with progress on Trump’s peace deal. Welcoming the proposal, displaced Gaza City resident Fadl al-Deebas (52) said: “This is great news for us. It is the right decision, even though it comes after two years of struggle, killings, war, and destruction.”

Mediators and world leaders see Hamas’s partial consent to Trump’s 20-point plan as encouraging. However, concerns remain due to the unresolved issue of Hamas’s disarmament. Analysts believe that the war’s end will depend on how Trump addresses the questions of Israeli troop withdrawal and the release of prisoners.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Ruth James, Oxfam’s humanitarian coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, reported that hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed with patients and face severe shortages of basic medical supplies. She also noted an increase in malnourished children and pregnant women.

According to a statement from Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 66 Palestinians were killed and 265 injured in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours. Since October 7 last year, the total death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 67,074. The actual number is believed to be far higher due to thousands of bodies still buried under the rubble.