Ghazi Hamad slams Trump’s comments as “baseless,” accusing Israel of using negotiations to militarily reclaim Gaza control and delay hostage release.
Hamas Leader Blasts Trump, Claims Israel Seeks to Regain Control Through Ceasefire ‘Trap’
In a sharp rebuke of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Hamas political bureau member Ghazi Hamad lashed out at accusations that his group is obstructing hostage negotiations, calling Trump’s statements “baseless and politically motivated.”
Speaking to Al-Araby, Hamad—who is actively involved in Hamas’s negotiation team—accused Israel of using the talks as a smokescreen to regain military control over strategic parts of Gaza, while branding Trump’s public support for the elimination of Hamas as a provocation that undermines fragile diplomatic progress.
“We came to Doha with a realistic and constructive proposal,” Hamad said, referring to Hamas’s offer of a 60-day ceasefire, alongside humanitarian aid flow and internationally guaranteed negotiations.
According to him, the Qatari and Egyptian mediators were taken aback by Trump’s incendiary remarks, which he claimed ignore Hamas’s efforts toward a workable compromise.
🧨 The Battle Behind the Ceasefire
Hamad accused Israel of demanding control over approximately 40% of Gaza, including the Morag Corridor and humanitarian city, which he alleged would enable Israel to resume attacks at will. He argued that Hamas’s proposal focused on removing IDF presence and ensuring neutral oversight over aid distribution by the UN, Palestinian Red Crescent, and other pre-approved NGOs.
“Israel wants to dictate the battlefield terms it couldn’t win through force,” he charged.
He also claimed that Israel’s insistence on controlling aid channels is a tactic to prolong suffering in Gaza and pressure Hamas into a one-sided deal.
🔁 Prisoner Swap in Play
In a significant development, Hamad confirmed that Hamas presented a framework for a prisoner exchange, offering to release Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, some of whom may have been involved in the October 7 attacks.
This revelation will likely spark international debate, especially among Israeli officials who have warned against rewarding those linked to acts of terrorism.
🕊️ Ceasefire or Setback?
While Hamas claims its proposal centers on de-escalation and guarantees against future conflict, the situation remains tense, with trust between parties fragile at best. The group has repeatedly rejected any postwar arrangement that allows Israel to retain a security footprint inside Gaza.
“We are not interested in temporary relief—we want real guarantees,” Hamad stressed, blaming Israel for blocking real progress while manipulating global narratives.
