Peace in the Middle East may be within reach, but the true meaning of Hamas’s partial ‘yes’ to Donald Trump’s plan remains a subject of intense debate. The group’s agreement on Saturday to release hostages and accept a ceasefire is a monumental step, but its caveats reveal the complexities that lie ahead.
Hamas’s acceptance was prompted by a severe ultimatum from Trump. The group agreed to the immediate demands of the 20-point plan: a hostage-for-withdrawal exchange and the establishment of a new, technocratic government in Gaza. This represents a clear tactical decision to end the current devastating war.
However, the ‘yes’ is far from absolute. The statement from Hamas explicitly states that other elements of the plan, those concerning the “legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and the final status of Gaza, require a “comprehensive Palestinian national framework” for discussion. This is not a final peace treaty, but an agreement to end the fighting and begin a political process.
This partial acceptance can be interpreted in two ways: as a genuine first step toward a lasting peace, or as a strategic pause to regroup and negotiate from a stronger position later. The group’s willingness to cede administrative control is a positive sign, but its insistence on further national dialogue on core issues indicates that the fundamental conflict remains unresolved.
Donald Trump has interpreted the move with maximum optimism, declaring Hamas “ready for a lasting PEACE.” While this partial ‘yes’ has undeniably opened a door, the path to a comprehensive and durable peace will depend on navigating the difficult issues that Hamas has deliberately set aside for a later day.