Hamas seeks changes to Trump’s Gaza plan, including disarmament clause and Israeli withdrawal guarantees: Report

Hamas officials are pushing for changes to key clauses in US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal, particularly regarding disarmament, according to an AFP report, citing a Palestinian source close to the group’s leadership.

According to the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing talks, Hamas negotiators held discussions on Tuesday in Doha with representatives from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

The group is expected to deliver an official response to the plan within “two or three days at most,” the source added.

The peace plan, which has the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a multi-stage process including an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages by Hamas within 72 hours, the group’s full disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

“Hamas wants to amend some of the clauses such as the one on disarmament and the expulsion of Hamas and faction cadres,” said the Palestinian source.

In addition, Hamas leaders are seeking “international guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip” as well as assurances that no assassination attempts will be carried out inside or outside the territory.

Last month, six people were killed in an Israeli strike targeting Hamas officials who were meeting in Doha to discuss a previous ceasefire proposal.

The source added that Hamas is also in contact with “other regional and Arab parties,” but did not provide further details.

Another source familiar with the negotiations said the Palestinian group was split over Trump’s plan.

“So far there are two views within Hamas: the first supports unconditional approval because the important thing is to have a ceasefire guaranteed by Trump, provided that the mediators guarantee Israel’s implementation of the plan,” AFP quoted the the source as saying.

But others have “great reservations on important clauses”, the source added.

“They reject disarmament and for any Palestinian citizen to be taken away from Gaza.”

“They support a conditional agreement with clarifications that take into account demands by Hamas and the resistance factions so that the occupation of the Gaza Strip is not legitimised while the resistance is criminalised,” the source said.

“Some factions reject the plan, but discussions are ongoing and things will become clearer soon.”

In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said parts of the Gaza plan required further “clarification” and talks, including Israel’s withdrawal from the strip.

“The issue of (Israeli) withdrawal, of course, requires some clarification and some work, and I believe this must be discussed in detail. This is primarily the duty of the Palestinian side, along with the Israeli side,” he said.

With inputs from agencies