'Everyone wants Hamas out of the way – but why would it agree to Trump's deal?'
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have presented a plan to bring peace to Gaza, but also a threat to “finish the job” if Hamas does not agree to its terms. Will the terror group, which controls Palestine, ever agree to this?
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In brief…
- Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to a peace deal for Gaza. If Hamas does not disband entirely, Israel will “finish the job” it has been carrying out since the October 7 attack of 2023.
- The News Agents say support for the deal from Arab state countries could be key to this plan succeeding, as they put pressure on Hamas to agree.
- But with the deal “arguably” skewed in Israel’s favour, what reason would Hamas have to disarm and disband under Trump’s orders?
What’s the story?
Despite his claims to the contrary, Donald Trump has ended zero wars since returning to the White House in January 2025.
But he's still trying to achieve that goal, and this week revealed a plan to bring peace to Gaza, two years after the Hamas attack on Israel of October 7, and the 24-month siege on Palestinian people in the time since.
Trump's plan includes the immediate end of military action, return of all hostages being held in Gaza – alive and dead, the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees held in Israel since 7 October 2023, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed line within Gaza, and a promise that Hamas will disarm, and play no further part in the future governing of Palestine.
It was drawn up in conjunction with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, wanted by the International Criminal Court over allegations of war crimes carried out during his two-year military assault in Gaza, and also involves Tony Blair, who would oversee a new Board of Peace in control of Palestine.
Trump and Netanyahu have promised to "finish the job" in Gaza if Hamas does not agree to the terms in the plan.
What looks promising about Trump’s plan for Palestine?
With Trump and Netanyahu backing the plan, there is also support from neighbouring countries in the Middle East, desperate to see the end of the war.
“This proposal has got the support of the Gulf Arab nations and Turkey, and there is considerable pressure being applied to Hamas to accept this peace deal,” says Jon Sopel.
It has also been supported by the Palestinian Authority, which has some control in the Israel-occupied West Bank, and was pushed out of Palestine when Hamas took control.
But Emily Maitlis says that despite the understanding of how important the backing of the Arab states is to any peace process, the deciding factor in how things proceed is of course, Hamas.
Trump’s plan involves the total dismantling of Hamas, which is – in essence – its surrender.
Where could Trump’s plan come unstuck?
Hamas is yet to respond to Trump’s proposal, but indications suggest it will refuse the deal – despite the threat of increased military violence if it does so.
“The sticking point for Hamas is this demand that it gives up all the hostages in one go, which it thinks then gives it no more bargaining chips,” says Emily.
“It says the deal serves Israel's interest.”
And there may be good reasons for that.
“What Netanyahu has arguably achieved with this plan is to make it one that is entirely in Israel's favour,” says Jon.
“It doesn't compel IDF forces to leave immediately, but when Israel sees fit.
“I bet you Netanyahu knew there was no way Hamas was going to accept this, so carries on with his destruction of Hamas, but also the destruction of the Gaza Strip.”
What will other countries make of the deal?
Despite former Prime Minister Tony Blair being a key figure in the ‘Board of Peace’ Trump plans to assemble to govern Gaza if the 20-point plan goes ahead, it appears that Starmer was not included, or possibly even given a heads up, in the discussions.
"This whole initiative centred around Netanyahu and the White House will have come as quite a surprise to Macron, Carney and Starmer, to the people who've actually just gone out of their way to say this is about sanctioning Israel,” Emily says.
Despite this, Keir Starmer indicated he supported the new peace plan during this week's Labour conference. If it comes into fruition, it would mark an end to the war close to two years after it began.
"I just sense this incredible weariness with the ghastliness of Gaza," says Jon.
"Everyone recognises that there can be no future for Hamas, and is trying to convince Hamas to get the hell out of the way. But why would Hamas do it?"