A division within Hamas, particularly between its political leadership and its armed wing, could hinder the implementation of President Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the group’s diplomatic arm expressed tentative support for the release of Israeli hostages as part of Trump’s initiative, but emphasized the need for further discussions on critical issues.
The plan demands the disarmament of Hamas and the release of nearly 50 Israeli hostages, including both living individuals and the remains of those killed, within a strict timeline of 72 hours. However, significant factions within Hamas oppose these conditions. Arab mediators revealed a pronounced split between Hamas negotiators operating outside Gaza and the organization’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. While the negotiators show a willingness to engage with Trump’s proposal, the armed faction remains resistant to both disarmament and hostage release.
Hamas would only consider the release of hostages contingent upon a clear commitment from Israel to withdraw its military presence from the Gaza Strip. Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior negotiator for Hamas, along with various members of the group’s politburo, are reportedly supportive of the Trump plan, albeit with reservations. Yet, their influence over the militant wing, which operates independently, appears limited.
Ezzedin al-Haddad, who assumed leadership of Hamas following the deaths of key commanders, has indicated some openness to negotiation, particularly regarding disarmament. Reports suggest that Haddad is amenable to transferring offensive weapons, such as rockets, to Egypt and the United Nations for safekeeping. Nevertheless, he insists that Hamas retain small arms, which the group considers defensive.
Even if a consensus on disarmament is reached among Hamas leadership, enforcing compliance among its members poses a significant challenge. Many within the group could perceive any agreement as a form of surrender. The statement released by Hamas on Friday regarding Trump’s peace proposal was notably vague, allowing the organization potential leeway to withdraw if certain conditions are unmet. It indicated a willingness to release all prisoners, provided appropriate conditions for an exchange are established, specifically referencing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The feasibility of such a withdrawal without a firm commitment from Hamas regarding disarmament remains uncertain. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Hamas’s response, labeling it as “unfortunately predictable” and dismissing it as a rejection of Trump’s “take it or leave it” offer. He highlighted issues such as the refusal to disarm and the insistence on maintaining control over Gaza as major obstacles.
Analysts suggest that the ambiguous statement from Hamas may be a strategic move to buy time while the group seeks to reconcile internal divisions between its political and military factions. The conflict escalated significantly nearly two years ago when Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel and abducted approximately 250 individuals.
Despite suffering considerable losses, including senior leadership and experienced fighters, Hamas continues to engage in conflicts. The group’s armed wing has adapted by decentralizing command to smaller, independent units that rely on explosives and other weaponry. This shift has led to operational challenges, particularly due to a tightening Israeli blockade and financial constraints affecting the payment of salaries.
As the situation evolves, the complexities of Hamas’s internal dynamics and its relationship with both Israel and external mediators will significantly shape the prospects for peace in Gaza.