Hamas Rejects Gaza Peace Deal, Challenges Trump’s Plan as Ceasefire Brings Palestinians Back Home

Hamas Refuses to Sign Peace Agreement:  The long-awaited Gaza peace deal in the Middle East was thrown into confusion when the Palestinian militant group Hamas refused to attend its formal signing ceremony. A senior Hamas leader told the news agency that Hamas would not accept the agreement for now because of objections to several parts of Donald Trump's plan.

In fact, according to one report, Hamas called the proposal to expel Hamas members from Gaza "stupid." Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told reporters that the idea of ​​expelling Palestinians, whether they are Hamas members or not, from their land is "completely absurd and unacceptable."
Political tensions rise ahead of Trump's visit

Ceasefire Ends, Palestinians Return Home

These comments have further inflamed political tensions just ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. Trump will celebrate the release of Israeli civilians held hostage in Gaza and advance the second phase of his plan. However, Hamas has made clear that further negotiations will be difficult due to the "unacceptable conditions" included in that plan. In particular, the organization has categorically rejected the condition of Hamas's disarmament, even if it withdraws from the administration of Gaza.
People returned home after the ceasefire, but...

Israel Ceasefire Allows Families Return

However, the first phase of Trump's plan has been partially implemented. On Friday, Israel announced a unilateral ceasefire and withdrew its forces from some areas of Gaza, allowing many displaced Palestinian families to return to their destroyed homes. On Saturday, thousands of people were seen traveling on foot, in cars and by vehicle towards the northern strip of Gaza. The withdrawal of Israeli forces comes at a time when the recent war has severely devastated Gaza and claimed thousands of lives.

New Conditions In Exchange Deal

Agreement Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas must release 47 Israeli hostages it still holds, some of whom have died, by Monday afternoon. It also requires the return of the body of one hostage held by Hamas since 2014. In return, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners, some serving life sentences for deadly attacks, as well as 1,700 Gazans captured since the war began.

Multinational Task Force For Gaza

The ceasefire will involve the formation of a multinational task force led by the US ,
including troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. However, US troops will not enter Gaza. This initiative is aimed at maintaining stability in Gaza and ensuring humanitarian aid.

Seeking Solutions Amid Massive Human Losses

Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 67,682 people so far, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, which the United Nations recognizes as reliable. The war began with an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,219 Israelis, most of them civilians. The ongoing crisis in Gaza is once again forcing the world to reconsider whether lasting peace is possible in the region. Hamas's stance makes it clear that no peace plan can be sustainable without the acceptance and trust of all parties.