A new political future for Gaza has emerged as a possibility, with Hamas agreeing on Saturday to cede administrative power as part of a landmark peace deal. The group’s acceptance of a U.S.-led proposal includes handing over the Gaza Strip’s administration to a body of “independents (technocrats),” a move that could reshape the region’s political landscape.
This agreement is part of a broader framework proposed by Donald Trump, which Hamas has now partially accepted. The deal’s most immediate and critical component is the release of all Israeli hostages, a condition Hamas has met in exchange for a complete cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories.
The decision was announced following a high-pressure campaign by Trump, who set a Sunday deadline for Hamas to respond to his 20-point plan. In its statement, Hamas confirmed its readiness to enter into immediate negotiations to finalize the terms, signaling a clear intent to move forward with the diplomatic process and abandon its previous hardline stance.
While the transfer of power and hostage release mark a monumental step, Hamas was clear that its agreement is not a blanket acceptance of the entire plan. The group specified that long-term issues, including the final status of Gaza and Palestinian national rights, are subject to further consultations among Palestinian factions and must align with international law.
Reacting to the news, Donald Trump expressed his conviction that a breakthrough had been achieved and called for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing. He framed the cessation of military action as a necessary prerequisite for the safe return of the hostages, placing the responsibility for the next move squarely on Israel, which had already given its assent to the peace proposal.