A senior Hamas figure has told the BBC that the group is likely to reject Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza, saying it serves Israel's interests and ignores those of the Palestinian people.
The figure stated that Hamas is unlikely to agree to disarming and handing over their weapons – a key condition of Trump's plan.
Hamas has also expressed objections to the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, regarding it as a new form of occupation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted Trump's plan during White House talks on Monday; however, Hamas has not yet issued an official response.
Qatar's foreign ministry has indicated that Hamas is studying the White House proposal responsibly. Furthermore, discussions involving the group's leadership – both in Gaza and abroad – are ongoing.
The armed group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which had taken part in recent conflicts, has already rejected the plan.
A major point of contention for Hamas is that the plan requires them to surrender all hostages at once, relinquishing what they view as their only bargaining chip.
Despite Trump backing the plan, there is significant mistrust regarding Israel's commitments, especially after recent military actions targeting Hamas leaders.
Comments from Gaza residents reveal a mix of worry and hope, with many expressing support for any plan that could end the ongoing warfare, yet feeling resigned to the prospect that the proposal may ultimately serve Israeli interests.
A resident, Khadar Abu Kweik, emphasized the desperation among the people, stating, Even if the devil himself brought a plan to end this hell we are living in, I would support it.
The Israeli military has been engaged in intensive operations in Gaza since a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties. In response, the military campaign has reportedly seen a staggering number of deaths in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with the UN highlighting severe famine conditions within Gaza City, and the health ministry reporting staggering death tolls due to the ongoing conflict.
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