Qatar announced that Turkey will participate in negotiations with Hamas to discuss US President Donald Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza. The Qatar Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tayyip Erdogan’s country would join the Hamas delegation, signaling a broader regional engagement.
According to a Qatari spokesperson, Hamas received the US plan Monday night from Qatar and Egypt, and officials have begun deliberations. The Egyptian intelligence chief also attended a meeting with the Hamas delegation on Monday.
The spokesperson emphasized Qatar’s ongoing support for efforts to end the conflict. “Qatar has backed initiatives to stop the war in Gaza since day one,” he said. Doha remains committed to providing all possible assistance to halt the fighting and support Palestinians in Gaza.
Skepticism from Hamas and Internal Divisions
Hamas has yet to issue an official stance on Trump’s proposal, but a source close to the group told Reuters the plan was “biased in Israel’s favor” and contained “impossible conditions” aimed at dismantling Hamas. The source criticized the conditions, insisting they “deny Palestinians and Gazans their legitimate rights.”
Most senior Hamas officials remain silent amid ongoing internal consultations about the plan. Mahmoud Mardawi, a senior Hamas member, posted an old video of Ismail Haniyeh criticizing the 2020 “Deal of the Century,” suggesting opposition to the new US initiative.
Regional Support for Trump’s Plan
Overnight, several Muslim-majority states expressed their support for Trump’s efforts. In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt declared their “readiness to engage constructively with the US and all parties” to finalize an agreement. They expressed confidence in Trump’s “ability to find a path to peace.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Trump’s “efforts to stop the bloodshed in Gaza” and affirmed Turkey’s continued contribution to establishing “a just and lasting peace acceptable to all parties.”
The Palestinian Authority also welcomed Trump’s “sincere and determined efforts,” reaffirming its confidence in his ability to help end the Gaza conflict. The PA emphasized the “importance of partnership” with the US in achieving peace in the region.
While regional countries express optimism and support, Hamas remains cautious, weighing internal debates and skepticism about the US plan. The coming weeks will reveal whether international pressure and regional diplomacy can lead to concrete progress toward peace.
