Hamas’ top military leader has dismissed President Trump’s cease-fire proposal, signaling a defiant stance in the face of international efforts for peace. Ezz al-Din al-Hadad, the orchestrator of the October 7 terrorist attack, has made it clear: Hamas will not abandon its objectives for a temporary truce.
Al-Hadad has labeled Trump’s 20-point plan as an insidious plot to dismantle Hamas without addressing any of its demands. This rejection is not just rhetoric; it comes from the individual holding the fate of 48 hostages in Gaza, a staggering reminder of the stakes involved. Recently, he urged negotiators in Qatar to walk away from the table and continue the fight against Israel, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Hamas’s violent agenda.
Al-Hadad’s commentary stands as a stark rebuttal to Trump’s proposal, which requires a firm acceptance by the end of the week. While some factions within Hamas may be tempted by the offer, their influence in these negotiations is tenuous at best. Al-Hadad’s grip on power, alongside the lives of the hostages, gives him the upper hand.
Known infamously as the “Ghost of al-Qassam,” al-Hadad ascended to leadership after Israel eliminated his predecessors. At this critical juncture, his authority is unquestioned, providing Hamas with the leverage necessary to reject any deal that undermines its ambitions. Alongside him, allies in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have similarly dismissed the proposal, labeling it as solely beneficial to Israeli interests.
Trump’s cease-fire framework includes immediate hostilities cessation, the release of all hostages, and a coordinated Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, alongside the disarmament of Hamas. Yet the group has been adamant that it will not demilitarize without guarantees for a Palestinian state, showcasing its unwillingness to compromise.
Concerns over humanitarian crises and imminent famine in Gaza are rising, yet Hamas remains fixated on its objectives rather than addressing the needs of the people. Complicating the situation further, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that military operations will persist, establishing a security zone to counter any Palestinian sovereignty movement.
With a deadline looming, Trump has warned that any rejection of his peace plan will lead to dire consequences for Hamas. The stakes have never been higher.
