In a rare moment of alignment, both Israel and Hamas have expressed willingness to engage with former President Donald Trump’s sweeping Gaza ceasefire proposal. But beneath the surface optimism lie unresolved—and potentially deal-breaking—differences over Hamas’s future, disarmament, and who will govern postwar Gaza .
A Fragile Window of Hope
On Saturday, October 5, 2025, Israel announced it was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first steps in Trump’s 20-point plan. Hours earlier, Hamas issued a statement agreeing to release all remaining hostages—a central pillar of the proposal—but remained silent on other critical demands, including laying down its weapons and relinquishing political control .
President Trump, ever the showman, declared it a “big day” and urged Israel to halt bombing immediately. Yet even he admitted: negotiators still need “to get the final word down in concrete.”
What’s in Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Plan?
The proposal aims to end the nearly two-year war and secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Key elements include:
- Hostage release: All living hostages freed within 72 hours.
- Prisoner exchange: 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences + 1,700 others detained since October 2023.
- Hamas disarmament: Full surrender of weapons and end to military operations.
- Political transition: Hamas steps down; an internationally supervised Palestinian administration takes over public services.
- Israeli withdrawal: Gradual pullback of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Where Israel and Hamas Stand
| Issue | Israel’s Position | Hamas’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Hostage Release | Demands immediate, unconditional release | Agrees—but cites “security measures” and logistical delays |
| Disarmament | Non-negotiable: Hamas must fully disarm | No clear commitment; avoids the topic |
| Post-War Gaza Governance | Supports international administration; opposes Hamas rule | Wants role in transitional authority; silent on long-term exit |
| Ceasefire & Bombing | Shifted to “defensive posture” but troops remain in place | Demands full halt to Israeli military operations |
On the Ground: Hope Tempered by Trauma
For civilians in Gaza, where 66 people were reported killed just on Friday, the diplomatic back-and-forth feels distant. Many are exhausted by repeated cycles of false hope.
“Get us out of this situation in any way possible, and quickly,” said Dr. Abdelkarim al-Harazin, who recently fled Gaza City. “We’ve been through this before… only to get burned.”
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned displaced Palestinians against returning to northern Gaza, stating: “Attempting to return there poses extreme danger.”
What Happens Next?
Indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas representatives are expected to begin soon in Egypt, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatar, and Egyptian mediators playing key roles. But Trump issued a stark warning on social media: “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.”
With around 20 living hostages and 25 bodies still believed to be in Gaza, time—and trust—are running dangerously thin.
