Daniel Rosen, President, American Jewish Congress
Hamas terror organization’s latest statement on President Donald J. Trump’s Gaza plan has generated widespread attention, but the language reveals more calculation than change.
We at the American Jewish Congress [AJCongress] are closely following how this will unfold.
Despite the ambiguity in Hamas’s words, the plan itself reflects a bold diplomatic effort led by President Trump and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end months of conflict through strength, partnership, and clear conditions for peace.
Our preliminary assessment points to serious gaps in Hamas’s intent, but also to renewed opportunities for the region if this initiative holds.
Below are key takeaways from our ongoing assessment, based on regional monitoring and expert input:
- No recognition of Israel: Hamas’s statement avoids acknowledging Israel’s right to exist or signaling readiness for peaceful coexistence.
- No ideological shift: The tone suggests Hamas acted under U.S. and Israeli pressure—and pressure from eight regional partners backing the U.S.-Israeli plan— and not out of genuine change.
- Dividing Palestinian politics: By avoiding any mention of coexistence, Hamas signals its intent to keep Palestinian politics fragmented and unstable, posing risks for Israel.
- Survival, not reform: Despite losing an estimated 25,000 fighters, as the President said, Hamas appears focused on survival and political repositioning, not disarmament, at least not at this point.
- Conditional language: Hamas stresses “conditions” and “further negotiations,” signaling it wants to retain leverage.
- Future political role: The group’s statement clearly envisions continued participation in Gaza’s political future. That could become a dealbreaker.
- Arab/Muslim role in Gaza: Hamas opened the door to Arab or Muslim participation, potentially peacekeeping or training roles. This is a critical clause in the plan.
- Implications for Israel: Israel must weigh the risks of halting operations after coming close to eliminating Hamas, versus being seen as a spoiler if it continues.
- Arab state dilemma: Like Israel, eight Arab and Muslim states that endorsed the Trump plan must now decide whether to tolerate Hamas’s political return. Many are firmly against such a role.
- Regional stakes: The outcome will shape the future of radical Islamist movements and Iran’s proxy networks across the region.
- A Regional Coalition: This underscores the importance of the U.S.-Israel-Arab regional cooperation the President initiated, the first of its kind against terrorism in the Middle East. If this coordination endures, it could lay the foundation for a truly “New Middle East” anchored in shared security and pragmatic peace.
We continue to track how the actors respond to Hamas’s positioning and the unfolding talks.
