People in Gaza reacted with deep shock after US President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’s response to his peace plan for the region. Many residents felt uncertain, confused, and emotional as news spread rapidly across social media platforms.
Hundreds of Palestinians flooded my messages and social feeds, asking questions like, “Has the war ended?” and “Is this real?” The fast pace of political developments overnight left many struggling to understand what might happen next.
Meanwhile, Hamas released a carefully worded statement that appeared to be influenced by mediators. Instead of rejecting the proposal, the movement gave a cautious “yes,” leaving many to wonder about the future.
People in Gaza continue to process the unexpected turn of events while hoping for genuine peace and stability in their homeland.
Hamas agreed to Donald Trump’s conditions for releasing Israeli hostages and supported his idea of placing Gaza under Palestinian technocrats. However, the group did not clearly respond to several other parts of Trump’s detailed 20-point peace proposal.
Many Palestinians believe this move was a smart political step. They say Hamas aimed to shift pressure back onto Israel and make it responsible for the next decision. Moreover, this calculated approach allowed Hamas to appear open to dialogue while keeping control of its political stance.
Shortly after Hamas shared its response, Donald Trump posted a statement on social media. He expressed confidence that Hamas was ready for peace. Furthermore, he urged Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza and to consider negotiations seriously.
Trump’s message reignited global discussions about peace in the Middle East. Yet, both sides now face the challenge of turning cautious words into real progress.
Reactions among Palestinians in the region range from cautious hope to deep skepticism. Many residents feel uncertain about what lies ahead. Some fear Hamas may have fallen into a trap, believing Israel could retrieve its hostages and then quickly resume the war. However, others see a rare chance to finally end nearly two years of ongoing conflict and suffering.
Still, many urge caution before celebrating. They remind everyone that peace never comes easily. “Do not get carried away by optimism,” one local leader said. “There will be many rounds of talks, and every detail matters. The real challenge always hides in the details.”
He compared the situation to Lebanon, noting how, even today, people remain displaced and airstrikes continue. His warning echoes through many conversations, reminding everyone how fragile such moments can be.
Meanwhile, Mahmoud Daher shared his thoughts on Facebook, saying Hamas’s latest response felt surprisingly direct and clear. His comment sparked further discussion and hope, even as uncertainty continues to shape daily life in the territory.
He finally said yes without adding the usual “but” afterward. This time, his response carried a sense of certainty and intent.
He agreed to release prisoners using Trump’s formula. He also agreed to end the war and allow a full withdrawal. Moreover, he accepted transferring power to a new Palestinian authority. The doubts, however, came later. Interestingly, Hamas even flattered Trump with praise to appeal to his ego.
Still, many people remain unconvinced.
In Gaza, activist and long-time Hamas critic Khalil Abu Shammala shared his concerns. He said the decision focused more on the movement’s survival than genuine peace. He added that Hamas might describe it as wisdom or putting people first. Yet, in his view, the truth points to Hamas trying to stay in control.
Abu Shammala even questioned the origin of the statement. He believed Hamas did not write it because it sounded too sophisticated.
