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Hamas has expressed readiness to reach a peace agreement to end the war in Gaza under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan, though it maintains key demands. The announcement came as Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and U.S. mediators, including Trump’s envoy Jared Kushner and special representative Steve Witkoff, traveled to Egypt for renewed negotiations with Israel.
Marking the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that ignited Israel’s military campaign, Trump voiced optimism, saying, “There’s a possibility we could have peace in the Middle East.” Talks in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh have shown modest progress, with mediators hoping for a decisive breakthrough on Wednesday.
Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya told Egypt’s Al Qahera News TV that the group was engaged in “serious and responsible negotiations.” Hamas insists any deal must guarantee a permanent end to the war and prevent its recurrence. Senior official Fawzi Barhoum added that an agreement must include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the start of reconstruction under a Palestinian-led technocratic administration — conditions Israel has consistently rejected.
Israel continues to demand Hamas’s disarmament and the release of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would keep fighting until all hostages are freed, Hamas is dismantled, and Gaza no longer poses a threat.
The conflict has devastated Gaza, with local authorities reporting over 67,000 Palestinians killed. Israel says 1,200 Israelis died in the 2023 Hamas attack. As global outrage mounts over the humanitarian crisis, civilians on both sides expressed hope the negotiations could finally bring peace after two years of bloodshed, displacement, and loss.
