In a surprising turn of events just days before the second anniversary of the ongoing conflict, Hamas has announced its conditional approval of a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan, which focuses on the release of all hostages, has sent shockwaves through the region, creating new political dynamics and putting pressure on the Israeli government.
According to an opinion piece by Dr. Hatem Sadek, a professor at Helwan University, published in the Daily Egypt on October 7, 2025, Hamas’s approval, though conditional, was seized upon by President Trump as a significant breakthrough. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with the Israeli far-right feeling betrayed and opposition leader Yair Lapid urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to engage in the U.S.-led negotiations. This development has placed Netanyahu in a difficult position, caught between his alliance with Trump and the demands of his right-wing coalition.
President Trump’s public call for an “immediate ceasefire” to facilitate the retrieval of hostages from Gaza’s tunnels marks a significant departure from previous U.S. policy. For the first time since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, the United States has openly opposed Israel’s strategy of “negotiating under fire.” This places the responsibility on Israel to create the conditions for the hostage release. Trump’s description of Hamas as a group “seeking peace” further complicates the long-standing U.S.-Israeli strategic alignment.
The proposed framework aims to integrate humanitarian and security concerns. It includes provisions for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid, the rebuilding of essential infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment plants, and a guarantee that no one will be forced to leave Gaza. However, the plan also faces criticism for its ambitious scope, attempting to address post-war governance, reconstruction, and economic recovery simultaneously. Experts suggest that these long-term goals can only be addressed after the immediate priorities of a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the establishment of an interim governing body are met.
The international community is now watching closely as negotiators work to secure a ceasefire and address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The success of the plan will depend on the ability of all parties to navigate the complex political landscape and commit to a diplomatic solution. The White House’s approach of dividing its ambitions into two tracks—one for immediate stabilization and another for long-term reconstruction—is seen as a critical step toward achieving a lasting peace in the region.
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