Heavy Arab and Turkish pressure is being brought to bear on Hamas to accept Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, with assurances that details could be discussed and minor changes made without altering its essence.
According to two Arab diplomatic sources, in Tuesday’s meeting where Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad presented the plan to senior Hamas officials, the atmosphere was strained.
Hamas leaders objected that Qatar had joined support for what they called a “Zionist plan,” leaving little room for negotiations. In response, al-Thani reminded them they were facing the prospect of full Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip, saying this was the best deal achievable.
Airdrop of humanitarian aid over Gaza. Photo: AFP AFP
He promised to pass Hamas’ objections to Washington and said there was room to discuss implementation and details of certain clauses, but without changing the fundamentals. Egypt’s intelligence chief was far less polite, telling Hamas officials bluntly in Arabic, “al-fursa al-akhira” – this is your last chance.
Al-Thani and Rashad highlighted the deal’s advantages: the release of prisoners, the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces, cancellation of plans to seize land for settlement, and the opportunity for Hamas to rehabilitate itself and participate in future Palestinian politics, beyond Israel’s reach.
Demands for clarifications
Hamas has already submitted a list of clarifications to Qatar. According to a Gulf diplomat, one demand is guarantees for its leaders’ safety from future Israeli assassinations. The agreement states that those willing to live in coexistence with Israel would receive amnesty, while others could leave safely for host countries, but without an Israeli commitment not to target them later.
A second demand concerns the pace of Israel’s withdrawal. Hamas had previously insisted that hostages be released only in parallel with an IDF pullback to the perimeter. The agreement outlines a three-stage phased withdrawal, contingent on progress in the deal.
IDF forces in the Gaza Strip. Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
Hamas also requested clarification of American and international guarantees to uphold the cease-fire after the hostages’ release. It voiced opposition to releasing all captives within the first 72 hours, as Trump stipulated, arguing it would take days or even weeks to organize the return of both living and deceased hostages.
Hamas further asked when full Israeli withdrawal would take place and under what conditions. According to the Arab diplomat, Hamas expressed opposition in principle to surrendering its “defensive weapons” but has not yet given a final answer. Internal divisions within the group may delay its response, with Iran-aligned senior figures Zaher Jabarin and Nizar Awadallah posing the main obstacle to a positive reply.
The source noted that Hamas’ hesitation stems from the unanimous Arab support for the deal, including Qatar, and the backing of Turkey, its second major patron after Qatar. Turkey is expected to play a greater role in pressuring the group. Only Iran remains firmly on Hamas’ side, but it is preoccupied with the activation of the “snapback” sanctions mechanism against it.
“The support surprised us”
The assessment in Arab capitals, Washington and Jerusalem is that Hamas will eventually agree, but seek negotiations over adjustments. Al-Thani already said Monday that the issue of Israel’s withdrawal “requires clarification” and “needs to be discussed.”
He added that “the plan is still in its early stages and requires development, and we are trying to create a path that preserves Palestinian rights.” His words sounded like an attempt by Qatar to apologize for backing the plan. Trump, however, has made it clear that Hamas has three to four days to respond to his peace proposal. Otherwise, Israel would be free to continue its war against the organization.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani. Photo: AP AP
An American official said Qatar’s commitment to secure Hamas’ agreement was explicit, and that Qatar had received significant compensation for this pledge. “The broad international support for the plan surprised even us,” the official said. “This momentum must be leveraged to end the war soon and begin Gaza’s reconstruction, paving the way for regional changes.”
Lengthy talks
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has demanded that Qatar honor its commitment to push Hamas to accept Trump’s plan, including and especially disarmament, and not allow it to stall with demands for amendments.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Photo: AFP
Two Arab diplomats said Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, held lengthy talks in the past 24 hours with Doha and Cairo, stressing that for the Palestinian Authority the top priority is ending the fighting immediately and beginning Gaza’s reconstruction.
