Palestinians expressed disbelief after President Donald Trump signaled approval of Hamas's conditional acceptance of his Gaza peace proposal. The militant group agreed to release Israeli hostages and transfer governance to Palestinian technocrats, but left many points unaddressed in its response. Trump urged Israel to halt airstrikes following the statement, but Gaza residents remain divided between cautious optimism and skepticism about the plan's prospects.
Some Palestinians worry Israel might retrieve hostages before resuming military operations. Ibrahim Fares warned against premature celebration and predicted that lengthy negotiations would follow over implementation details. Activist Khalil Abu Shammala suggested Hamas accepted the terms primarily to preserve its authority rather than prioritize civilian welfare. Residents await concrete evidence that diplomatic statements can translate into lasting peace after two years of warfare.
Some Palestinians worry Israel might retrieve hostages before resuming military operations. Ibrahim Fares warned against premature celebration and predicted that lengthy negotiations would follow over implementation details. Activist Khalil Abu Shammala suggested Hamas accepted the terms primarily to preserve its authority rather than prioritize civilian welfare. Residents await concrete evidence that diplomatic statements can translate into lasting peace after two years of warfare.
