The Sham of “Peace”: Hamas’s Forced Partial Nod to the Netanyahu-Trump-Blair Ultimatum

In a development that reeks of coercion rather than compromise, Hamas announced on October 3, 2025, a partial acceptance of a so-called peace plan for Gaza, unveiled just days earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The group’s statement endorsed key elements, including the release of all remaining Israeli hostages—estimated at 48, with around 20 believed alive—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and a willingness to relinquish power in Gaza.

Hamas leaders described this as a step toward “lasting peace,” but emphasized that other provisions required further Palestinian consultations, signaling deep reservations.

Yet, this “acceptance” came under the shadow of an explicit ultimatum: agree, or face Israel’s unrestrained military wrath, backed unconditionally by the United States. Far from a voluntary olive branch, it’s a surrender extracted at gunpoint, underscoring the plan’s architects’ true intent—not resolution, but subjugation.

At the heart of this farce is the 20-point proposal, which Trump hailed as a “bold and intelligent” blueprint to end the nearly two-year war that has devastated Gaza.

It calls for an immediate ceasefire, staged Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and hostage exchanges, followed by a transitional “Board of Peace” to govern Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control.