Trump celebrates Hamas' response to peace proposal despite Israeli concerns

In the context of ongoing conflict since Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel, which triggered a war in Gaza that has persisted for nearly two years, recent diplomatic efforts have made headlines. Local organizations from both Israeli and Palestinian sides expressed cautious optimism about a potential peace agreement after lengthy negotiations. This past Friday, Hamas responded to a 20-point peace proposal from then-President Donald Trump with a six-paragraph statement that highlighted their readiness to release hostages but fell short of a complete endorsement of Trump's demands, which included disarmament and governance conditions. Trump's immediate reaction on social media indicated his belief that Hamas was open to achieving lasting peace, urging Israel to cease its bombardment of Gaza to ensure the safe release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently announced preparations to implement the initial phase of Trump's plan, which includes the immediate release of all hostages. The situation posed a challenging dynamic for Israel as Trump's response to Hamas' statement preempted official Israeli commentary and raised questions about the coordination of U.S. and Israeli strategies. Despite the positive dialog around the ceasefire agreement and hostages, experts and local leaders were keen to express their caution, referencing previous failed negotiations. Statements from various organizations underscored the need not only for the release of hostages but also for a broader settlement that addresses the long-standing grievances on both sides, highlighting the complexities of achieving a viable peace agreement. As Trump's aides, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, prepared to travel for further negotiations, hope persisted among local advocates that this could mark a turning point. Nevertheless, skepticism remained prevalent, with some voices in the Palestinian advocacy community insisting that the liberation of Palestine is essential for any lasting peace. The situation remains delicate, and it is unclear whether the recent diplomatic overtures can lead to a concrete and lasting ceasefire, with many observers noting concerns over Israel’s adherence to future commitments under any peace agreement.