What did Hamas propose to Trump?

Hamas has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of half of the hostages it continues to hold. The group also released a new video of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, who has been in captivity since the October 7 attack, marking a renewed attempt to pressure Israel and international mediators into a deal.

The letter, currently held in Qatar, is expected to be delivered to Trump later this week, according to U.S. media reports. Hamas said the pause would allow for humanitarian relief in Gaza and the start of wider negotiations.

Why is Hamas making this move now?

The proposal comes amid stalled negotiations over a hostage deal and increasing diplomatic isolation of Israel. In recent days, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised the State of Palestine—a move Hamas celebrated as a “deserved outcome” of decades of Palestinian struggle.

By combining the hostage video release with a ceasefire offer, Hamas appears to be leveraging both humanitarian and political pressure to shift the dynamics of the conflict.

How has Trump responded?

Trump has repeatedly made it clear that he will not settle for partial hostage releases. Speaking at a joint press conference in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he warned Hamas that they would be in “big trouble” if they continued using hostages as bargaining chips.

On Truth Social last week, Trump wrote:

“This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!”

Given this stance, it remains unlikely that the White House will accept a 60-day truce conditioned on only partial hostage freedom.

What role is Qatar playing?

Qatar, which has often acted as a mediator between Hamas and Israel, is holding the letter and may deliver it to Trump later in the week. However, Doha recently suspended mediation efforts after Israeli forces targeted the city in operations earlier this month.

The involvement of Qatar underscores how regional diplomacy remains central to any possible breakthrough. Still, the credibility of Hamas’s ceasefire offer will hinge on whether it can present tangible concessions beyond symbolic gestures.

What are families of hostages saying?

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel urged media outlets not to publish Hamas’s newly released video of Alon Ohel until his family has reviewed and approved its distribution. The group continues to lobby governments worldwide for a deal that secures the release of all hostages, rejecting partial arrangements that could prolong uncertainty.

How is international recognition of Palestine shaping the conflict?

Hamas has welcomed the recognition of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia, framing it as a turning point in global diplomacy. In a statement, the group called for the United Nations and world governments to “isolate Israel” and end all cooperation with it.

Hamas also stressed that symbolic recognition should translate into concrete measures such as:

• Ending what it described as Israel’s “brutal war of genocide” in Gaza.
• Imposing international accountability for alleged human rights violations.
• Supporting the “return and liberation” of Palestinian lands.

Why does this matter?

This latest move illustrates Hamas’s dual strategy: using hostages as leverage while capitalizing on shifting global attitudes toward Palestine. For Trump, who has adopted a hardline position against Hamas, the letter presents a political dilemma—whether to engage with the offer or maintain his stance of “all hostages or nothing.”

For Israel, the proposal complicates domestic and international pressure. Accepting a partial deal risks legitimizing Hamas’s tactics, while rejecting it outright could delay the release of captives and intensify humanitarian concerns.