Hamas political bureau member Mohammed Nazzal told Al Jazeera Arabic on Thursday that the group was discussing Trump’s plan with the goal of stopping Israel’s war on Gaza and would soon announce its position on the proposal.
Nazzal said Hamas, as representatives of the Palestinian resistance, has a right to express its views “in a way that serves the interests” of the Palestinian people.
“We are not dealing [with the plan] under the logic that time is a sword pointed at our neck,” Nazzal said.
Earlier this week, the White House unveiled a 20-point document that called for an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of captives held by Hamas for Palestinian political prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament and a transitional government led by an international body.
On Tuesday, Trump gave Hamas three to four days to agree to the plan.
Palestinians long for the war to end, but many believe the plan heavily favours Israel.
In previous negotiations, Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from the famine-struck enclave and said it was seeking a permanent ceasefire, with guarantees that displaced families can return to their homes, particularly in the north of Gaza, where Israeli forces are intensifying attacks.
Earlier on Thursday, Egypt’s foreign minister said his country was working with Qatar and Turkiye to convince Hamas to accept Trump’s proposal.
