People in Gaza woke up in disbelief after US President Donald Trump appeared to welcome Hamas’s unexpected response to his peace plan. The overnight developments have sparked confusion and a wave of mixed emotions across the territory, with many Palestinians asking, “Has the war ended?” and “Is this real?”
Hamas’s carefully worded statement reportedly shaped with the help of mediators did not reject Trump’s 20-point proposal outright. Instead, it offered a qualified “yes”, accepting the terms for the release of Israeli hostages and agreeing to hand over governance of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian administration. However, the group remained vague about several key aspects of the plan.
Soon after the statement’s release, Trump took to social media, claiming Hamas was “ready for peace” and urging Israel to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza. His post instantly triggered intense debate across Palestinian society.
Some Gazans saw the move as a potential breakthrough. “Maybe this is the chance to end two years of bloodshed,” said one resident. Others, however, cautioned against premature optimism. “Don’t get carried away,” warned Ibrahim Fares. “There will be long negotiations the devil is always in the detail.”
Hamas’s tone surprised many observers for its apparent openness. Social media user Mahmoud Daher noted that the group’s reply was “yes without the usual ‘but’.” Yet, not everyone believes Hamas’s motives are purely humanitarian. Activist Khalil Abu Shammala, a long-time critic, claimed the move was about the group’s survival rather than peace.
As uncertainty hangs over Gaza, residents are left wondering whether this diplomatic twist could finally bring an end to the war or merely open another complex chapter in the long-running conflict.
