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HAMAS has announced it will examine the peace plan proposed by former United States President Donald Trump before responding, as pressure mounts globally for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
A senior Hamas official, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said the group “will begin studying it today” after receiving the proposal from Middle East mediators Egypt and Qatar.
He added that internal discussions and consultations with other Palestinian factions are planned before a formal position is issued. No timeline was given for the response.
The plan, announced in Washington on Monday, reportedly calls for Hamas to disarm and effectively surrender in exchange for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the promise of post-war reconstruction in Gaza — a region devastated by months of conflict.
The Gaza Health Ministry estimates the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 66,000.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the proposal, which was unveiled during talks with Trump at the White House. Trump said the plan would offer “a real path to peace” and highlighted broad backing from allies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed it as “the best chance for ending the war,” thanking Trump for his “persistent efforts” and acknowledging the role of Arab and Muslim countries in persuading Hamas. “The suffering of the hostages must end now,” Merz said after a meeting with families of German nationals held in Gaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed support, reiterating that “a two-state solution is the only possible one” for lasting peace. Writing on X, he said: “It is time for the violence to cease, for the immediate release of all the hostages to take place, and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilian population.”
France’s President Emmanuel Macron said Hamas “has no choice” but to accept the plan and release all hostages. “France stands ready to contribute. It will remain vigilant regarding the commitments of each party,” he added.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey’s Defence Ministry stated that its naval vessels are “prepared to assist humanitarian missions if needed.”
The comment came as the Global Sumud Flotilla — a coalition of over 50 small vessels from dozens of countries — attempts to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza to deliver food and medical supplies.
Turkish authorities recently assisted in evacuating activists from one of the flotilla’s vessels, the *Johnny M*, after it began taking in water off Crete.
At the same time, three flotilla-linked activists were reportedly arrested in Cairo by Egyptian authorities, with their status currently unknown.
The peace plan's release follows months of international pressure on Hamas and Israel to halt hostilities.
While the proposal has attracted significant international backing, Hamas’s decision will be critical to whether it becomes a stepping stone toward the long-elusive goal of peace in the Middle East. - September 30, 2025