Hamas Proposes 15-Year Truce to Trump Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Nearly three years after the October 7 massacre, a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza is reportedly nearing completion. Hamas sent a letter in English to then-US President Donald Trump requesting a 15-year hudna (truce) in Gaza. The letter expresses Hamas's willingness to abide by the agreement and disarm, contingent on a long-term ceasefire during which Israel would halt attacks, assassinations of Hamas leaders, and begin a gradual withdrawal from Gaza.

Israeli officials reject this proposed deal, calling it a Hamas spin that contradicts the framework of the Trump plan signed in October last year. Israeli sources describe the proposal as a desperate attempt by Hamas to buy time and avoid being labeled as violating the Trump agreement, which would allow Israel to resume military operations in Gaza.

Details revealed earlier indicate Hamas would gradually hand over weapons over several years but would not surrender heavy arms. Arab states would pay millions in severance to Hamas officials replaced by a technocratic committee. Israel would commit to a long-term ceasefire including stopping targeted killings, while the IDF would maintain the "yellow line" but gradually vacate some areas. However, American, regional, and Palestinian sources call the deal largely fictional, doubting Hamas would fully disarm or reveal tunnels.

A senior Israeli official stated that Gaza was not discussed in a Netanyahu-Trump meeting and emphasized Israel's demand for full Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarization before any territorial concessions. Meanwhile, advanced talks are ongoing in Cairo under Egyptian intelligence auspices, with Qatar and Turkey mediating. Hamas reportedly agrees to transfer weapons to a third party other than the Palestinian Authority, with a signing ceremony possible soon.

The emerging agreement faces strong opposition from Israeli politicians. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned negotiations with Hamas, calling them unacceptable after the October 7 attack. Israel Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman also rejected any deal, insisting Hamas must be eliminated. On Sunday, Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved the entry of an international peace council into Gaza, with Ben-Gvir dissenting. The cabinet also authorized immunity for an international stabilization force operating beyond the yellow line, subject to Israeli government approval of participating countries, limited to friendly states with peace agreements.