Hamas seeks amendments to Trump's Gaza peace plan

Hamas officials are seeking amendments to clauses in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, including on disarmament, a Palestinian source close to the group’s leadership told AFP.

Hamas negotiators met on September 1 with Turkish, Egyptian, and Qatari officials in Doha, the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

The source added that the group would need “two or three days at most” to respond.

Trump’s plan, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, the group’s disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

“But Hamas wants to amend some of the clauses, such as the one on disarmament and the expulsion of Hamas and faction cadres,” the source said.

Hamas leaders are also seeking “international guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip” and assurances that no assassination attempts will be made inside or outside the territory, the source added.

The group has reportedly been in contact with “other regional and Arab parties,” though no further details were provided.

Another source familiar with the negotiations said that Hamas remains divided over Trump’s plan.

“So far, there are two views within Hamas: the first supports unconditional approval because the important thing is to have a ceasefire guaranteed by Trump, provided that the mediators guarantee Israel’s implementation of the plan,” the source said.

“But others have ‘great reservations on important clauses,’” the source added. “They reject disarmament and for any Palestinian citizen to be taken away from Gaza.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev