Egyptian and Qatari mediators were due to meet Hamas negotiators in Doha on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump set a three-to-four-day deadline for the Palestinian Islamist group to respond to his new peace plan for Gaza, warning that if it balks, Israel will do what it must.
Hamas is weighing Trump’s ultimatum against the US proposal, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in the battered enclave and the disarmament of the group.
Analysts say that leaves Hamas little space to reject a plan already welcomed by Arab and Muslim states, with pressure likely to mount on the movement to enter talks on implementing its details.
Trump first unveiled the plan on Sept. 23 in New York during a meeting with leaders and officials from eight Arab and Islamic states, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye.
He presented it formally on Monday at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Israel had signed off and the United States was awaiting Hamas’ reply.
The plan outlines a 20-point framework for ending the nearly year-long war in Gaza, centered on a ceasefire, the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian aid, reconstruction of the enclave, and an eventual political track based on a two-state solution.
Crucially, it also demands Hamas disarm – a red line for the group since its founding.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a press briefing in Doha that Cairo and Doha had passed the document to Hamas late on Monday night.
The top diplomat noted that it is too early to set a deadline for the response, noting that Hamas promised to study the proposal “responsibly.”
Egyptian private broadcaster Cairo News cited a security source saying Hamas assured both mediators it would review the US plan “positively and objectively.”
Yet early signs suggest resistance. A source close to Hamas told Reuters the group sees the plan as “entirely biased toward Israel” and imposing “impossible conditions that do not grant the Palestinian people or Gaza residents any legitimate rights.”
Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House on Tuesday, Trump stressed that Hamas has three or four days to respond.
‘Yes, but...’
Experts believe Hamas is more likely to seek clarifications and assurances than issue a blunt rejection.
“Hamas is closer to saying yes, but with requests for explanations, guarantees and amendments,” said Ahmed Fouad Anwar, a member of Egypt’s Council for Foreign Affairs and an expert in Israeli affairs.
“Mediators will try to bridge the gaps between Trump’s plan and Hamas’ demands by improving some points or providing reassurances.”
Palestinian analyst Ayman al-Raqab said outright refusal was not an option.
“Hamas has limited to no room to reject the proposal, especially that Arab and Islamic states have welcomed the initiative, and if Hamas says no, the world will blame it for prolonging Gaza’s suffering,” he said.
But Hamas’ ability to demand changes is also limited, he added. “There is no room for maneuver beyond an initial acceptance, then negotiations over implementation.”
Global reactions
The US proposal has drawn varied international responses.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote on X: “Should Hamas accept the peace plan, it would mean that the guns could fall silent; that the hostages can return home; that the suffering could end; that more aid could get to those in need; that protects against mass displacement; and ensures that Hamas can no longer play any role in the future governance of Gaza.”
“The plan could give security to Israel; it could give Palestinians a real perspective for their legitimate aspirations towards self-determination and Statehood, and provides hope to the entire region.”
“This is a pivotal moment that can finally bring about the end to the inter-generational cycle of bloodshed, terror and violence.”
“There is a clear alternative to perpetual war. It must be seized.”
Foreign ministers of Türkiye, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement welcoming Trump’s “sincere efforts” to end the war.
They called for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza, prevention of forced displacement, a full Israeli withdrawal, prisoner and hostage releases, a credible security mechanism, reconstruction, and a political process toward a two-state solution.
The Palestinian Authority also voiced support, pledging to work with Washington, regional states and other partners for a “comprehensive agreement” ensuring aid delivery, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, respect for the ceasefire, and protection of Palestinian rights.
Its statement stressed the need to halt land annexations, end unilateral Israeli actions, release frozen Palestinian tax revenues, and open the way to “a just peace on the basis of two states.”
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pressed for a swift ceasefire, de-escalation, and the restoration of calm and stability, the Egyptian foreign ministry said.
He underscored the need for aid flows commensurate with Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, an Israeli withdrawal, protection of Gaza’s link with the West Bank, and safeguards against any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Analysts say the chorus of Arab and Islamic support makes it harder for Hamas to resist. “The joint statement by the eight countries strikes a balance – it responds to Netanyahu’s triumphalism while also binding Trump to his promises,” said al-Raqab. “The next stage depends on Hamas’ final stance and the mediators’ ability to secure a deal soon.”
Anwar agreed, saying the collective endorsements could push Hamas to enter the talks. “We could see a truce within a week of Hamas’ acceptance,” he said.
“That might extend into a longer ceasefire of one or two years, though it would collapse if weapons are touched or Israel delays withdrawal.”
