Doha, – Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt are pressing Hamas to issue a constructive response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza, according to sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
Senior officials from the three countries – considered Hamas’ closest intermediaries – met the group’s leaders in Doha twice in the past 24 hours to deliver Trump’s proposal and encourage engagement. The U.S. president has given Hamas three to four days to respond, warning that refusal would have severe consequences.
“We only need one signature. Whoever refuses will face destruction,” Trump declared in a speech in Virginia before an audience of U.S. generals and admirals, signaling that the clock is ticking.
- President Donald Trump – unveiled the peace initiative at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).
- Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani – told Hamas the deal is likely the best they will get, urging them to seize the opportunity.
- Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad – joined the mediation, conveying U.S. assurances of seriousness.
- Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin – participated in follow-up talks with Hamas leaders in Doha.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – reportedly secured key concessions within the proposal.
- Hamas leadership – said they will study the plan “in good faith” but have not issued a formal reply.
The initiative was unveiled earlier this week in New York, during the UNGA, with side meetings in Doha where Arab mediators engaged Hamas directly.
The Trump plan represents the most comprehensive attempt yet to end the Gaza conflict, offering major incentives:
- Release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.
In exchange, Hamas would be required to fully disarm – a condition the group has historically rejected. The balance of concessions has triggered unease among Arab officials, who fear the plan may demand too much from Hamas while giving Israel greater leverage.
Qatar’s Al-Thani told Al Jazeera he hopes “everyone views the plan constructively and benefits from this opportunity to end the war.”
Arab mediators emphasized that Hamas must first coordinate with other Palestinian factions in Gaza before issuing an official response.
U.S. officials, while open to clarifying certain terms, insist the plan will not be reopened for full renegotiation.
Trump, for his part, stressed that there is “not much room left” for further discussion, underscoring Washington’s push for a swift resolution.
The 20-point plan reportedly includes staggered Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, though recent changes in the withdrawal timetable – inserted at Israel’s request – have angered Arab negotiators. Hamas now faces the challenge of weighing tangible gains, such as prisoner releases, against politically costly concessions like disarmament.
As pressure mounts, Hamas is caught between Arab allies urging pragmatism and its own ideological red lines. The coming days will reveal whether the group is willing to trade arms for relief, or whether Trump’s “best and final” offer becomes another missed chance in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.