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Hamas’ partial nod to Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan has created a diplomatic storm, forcing Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu into a tough position. Here’s how Trump’s swift reaction reframed the Gaza peace talks and reshaped Middle East politics.
Trump Celebrates Hamas’ Response to Ceasefire Plan, Putting Netanyahu in a Tight Spot
In a dramatic twist to Middle East diplomacy, Donald Trump declared victory after Hamas responded to his 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, even though the group didn’t fully endorse its key terms. The move showcased Trump’s signature confidence — and left Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing unexpected political pressure.
Late Friday afternoon, after five days of waiting for a reply, the White House received Hamas’ six-paragraph response. While the group didn’t agree to disarm or give up its influence in Gaza’s governance, it did signal readiness to release all remaining hostages taken since the October 2023 attacks. For Trump, that was enough to call it progress.
“I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!”
Trump’s Swift Move Preempts Israel’s Response
Trump’s post, released barely an hour after Hamas’ statement, caught Israeli officials off guard. The U.S. president’s declaration effectively framed the situation as a diplomatic breakthrough before Israel could respond. Netanyahu’s government soon issued a statement expressing willingness to implement “the first phase of Trump’s plan”, pledging cooperation with the U.S. administration.
By moving first, Trump controlled the narrative — portraying himself as the dealmaker bringing both sides closer to peace, even as crucial points remained unsettled.
Inside the Trump Hamas Ceasefire Plan
Trump’s 20-point peace framework was designed to end the prolonged Gaza conflict while addressing regional stability.
| Key Proposal Area | Trump’s Vision | Hamas’ Response |
|---|---|---|
| Disarmament | Full surrender of weapons | No clear acceptance |
| Hostage Release | Immediate and unconditional | Agreed in principle |
| Governance of Gaza | Hamas to play no role | Rejected |
| Security Oversight | Regional peace coalition | Open to discussion |
| Post-war Reconstruction | U.S.-led aid mechanism | Conditional support |
While Hamas didn’t endorse the entire plan, Trump emphasized the points of agreement, marking a rare moment of cautious optimism amid years of violence.
Netanyahu’s Delicate Balancing Act
Trump’s celebration placed Netanyahu in a politically difficult position. Having been urged earlier in the week to accept the peace plan, the Israeli leader suddenly faced pressure from Washington to halt military strikes.
An Israeli source revealed that Trump’s public call for an immediate bombing stop temporarily froze Israeli operations in Gaza City. Israel, which had planned to continue bombardment during negotiations, was left recalibrating its next steps.
Trump’s demand was the first explicit U.S. call for Israel to stop its assault — a shift that underscored his evolving strategy toward Middle East diplomacy.
Tensions Surface Between Trump and Netanyahu
The Trump-Netanyahu alliance, once rock-solid, has grown increasingly uneasy since Trump’s return to the White House. Sources describe multiple tense conversations between the two leaders over Israel’s prolonged campaign and the expansion of military operations beyond Gaza.
Trump’s patience was tested further by Israel’s controversial airstrikes in Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders — an action Washington viewed as reckless. The episode drew condemnation from Arab nations and prompted Trump’s team to fast-track the 20-point peace plan as a corrective measure.
“This was the last and best chance for a negotiated end to the war,” one U.S. official noted. “Trump made it clear his support wasn’t unlimited.”
Global Diplomacy and Trump’s Peace Ambition
In his Truth Social video, Trump thanked Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia for their mediation roles — notably omitting Netanyahu. The omission hinted at a shift in diplomatic tone: Trump appeared to be leaning more on Arab allies to secure progress in Gaza, positioning himself as a bridge between adversaries.
His envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to continue talks in Cairo this weekend to finalize the hostage release framework and draft the next steps toward a formal ceasefire.
Criticism from Trump’s Allies
While Trump called Hamas’ message a “positive sign,” several of his own allies disagreed. Senator Lindsey Graham dismissed it as “predictable,” arguing that Hamas’ conditional acceptance effectively rejected Trump’s take-it-or-leave-it offer.
Still, Trump portrayed the outcome as evidence of his diplomatic prowess, saying:
“Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end. We’re very close to achieving that.”
By focusing on progress instead of rejection, Trump reshaped the global narrative — and put Netanyahu in a corner where rejecting talks could make Israel appear obstructive to peace.
Trump’s Political Stakes
For Trump, the Hamas ceasefire development isn’t just foreign policy — it’s political leverage.
- A successful truce could bolster his image as a global peacemaker.
- A collapse could expose him to criticism from both allies and adversaries.
- Meanwhile, growing U.S. public fatigue with the Gaza war adds to the urgency for results.
Even within Trump’s own support base, sentiment toward Israel’s campaign has shifted. Some high-profile conservatives, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have accused Israel of committing “genocide,” reflecting deepening divides in U.S. politics.
What Lies Ahead for the Ceasefire Plan
Trump’s framing of Hamas’ response as progress may prove pivotal. Whether or not the ceasefire proposal holds will depend on upcoming negotiations, where differences over disarmament, governance, and territorial security remain unresolved.
Still, the shift in tone from confrontation to cautious diplomacy marks a significant moment in the Trump Hamas ceasefire plan timeline. For now, both leaders must walk a political tightrope — Netanyahu balancing national defense with diplomatic expectations, and Trump striving to secure a peace legacy that could define his presidency.
Conclusion: Trump’s Gamble on Peace
The Trump Hamas ceasefire plan has redefined the contours of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Trump’s assertive diplomacy, his readiness to challenge Israel publicly, and his reliance on Arab mediation have created both opportunities and risks.
For Netanyahu, the road ahead is steep — constrained by Trump’s demands and his own domestic pressures. For Trump, this moment could either crown his reputation as a peacemaker or expose the fragility of his approach.
One thing is certain: with global attention fixed on Gaza, the next move in this high-stakes political drama could alter the course of Middle Eastern diplomacy — and Trump’s legacy — forever.