ALBAWABA - Hamas has partially agreed to U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza, agreeing to some important parts while ignoring or rejecting others.
The group said it would fully follow the clause about exchanging prisoners. They agreed to let go of all Israeli prisoners, whether they are alive or dead, in exchange for the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, as long as conditions on the ground make the swap go smoothly.
But Hamas turned down the plan's request for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, saying that all Israeli troops should leave right away and without any discussion of disarmament. The movement also didn't say anything about the clause that said it had to give up its weapons, which it has always refused to do in the past.
Hamas also said again that it would be willing to give control of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian authority that was formed by national consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic countries. The group also said it was willing to talk directly with the U.S. president through mediators to work out any remaining issues.
Israeli news called Hamas's acceptance a "game-changer" that surprised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports said Netanyahu didn't think Hamas would accept Trump's offer because it had refused to give up its weapons several times before. Because of this, people say that Trump's immediate call for a ceasefire has put the Israeli government in a tough political and military situation.
