Hamas Responds, Shifts Ball Back to Trump: Analysis by Two Lebanese Experts
webangah News Agency, International desk, Elnaz rahmatnejad: The 20-point proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the Gaza conflict was unveiled following his meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister at the White House. The islamic Resistance Movement Hamas issued a conditional response, broadly accepting the plan. Hamas’s reply to Trump’s call for a halt to hostilities drew widespread reactions and positive receptions from regional and international parties.
In this context, we spoke with abbas Zalzali, journalist and media professor at Lebanon’s International University, and Buthaina Aliq, reporter for Radio Al-Nour and writer for Al-Mayadeen. Their full interviews follow:
donald trump’s statements are unreliable
Abbas Zalzali saeid: “Hamas’s response to Trump’s proposal is clear-cut; they said ‘Yes,but…’ Hamas gave a smart reply addressing key points relevant to them which Trump had requested answers on-namely ‘ceasefire and prisoner exchange.’ The movement left governance of Gaza as an open topic for further discussion. Hamas’s positive reaction reflected its willingness to end the war and focus on prisoner exchanges. Within that framework, it declared this decision as necessary to stop genocide in Gaza and remove Netanyahu’s pretext for continuing hostilities.”
Zalzali added: “The administration of Gaza remains unresolved for now but will be addressed in future talks. Palestinian groups insist on a ‘Palestinian method’ of governance while Washington and Israel preferred it be led by Tony Blair.”
The professor noted: “The most optimistic outlook is hope for an end to bloodshed in Gaza, but it first depends on Benjamin Netanyahu embracing this plan. Second, we cannot trust or rely on Donald Trump’s statements-he pursues achievements even if they come at others’ expense; he clearly covets a Nobel Peace Prize.”
Zalzali continued: “It goes beyond that; Netanyahu seeks dominance over the entire region with Israel as supreme power in the Middle East. He does not want any army, force, state or nation armed except Israel.”
The journalist warned: “Without active moves by key regional players such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, or Turkey to form an anti-American-Israeli coalition-the prospects remain bleak because Netanyahu is intoxicated with his alleged gains and considers himself victorious.”
Zalzali concluded: “Netanyahu and Trump want resistance defeated; they even aim to eradicate resistance ideology across regional countries-that much is clear.
A ceasefire will not happen through international law nor via UN or Security Council mechanisms-it ends only with fire confronting fire. The confrontation between Israel and Iran proves this since ultimately Iranian missile strikes halted fighting.
“Israel has declared rejection of sykes-Picot borders; it demands annulment of all Oslo Accords including Camp David agreements.” He added Israel has threatened Jordan bombed Qatar attacked Iran – essentially threatening everyone within reach.
Thus adherence by Israel to internationally brokered deals appears unlikely making coming days extremely challenging especially for Palestinians.”
Hamas hands the ball back to Netanyahu and Trump
buthaina Aliq said: “Supporters of resistance along with all factions within its front today back Hamas’s decision fully consistent with martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s statement that ’We accept any decision made by Hamas.’ Resistance understands its conditions well-and makes decisions accordingly.”
She added: “Experience confirms Palestinian resistance including all wings especially Hamas cannot disregard palestinians’ rights nor decide contrary to sacrifices or bloodshed levels involved.
Examining carefully reveals Hamsa gave an intelligent measured response rejecting what could undermine fundamental principles.
This positions create momentum placing responsibility onto Netanyahu & Trump’s side.
Moreover it accepted previous negotiation terms without endorsing conditions previously declined confirming steadfastness regarding its principles.”
