According to Times of Israel, on October 3, 2025, Hamas’s de facto leader in the Gaza Strip has indicated to mediators that he rejects US President Donald Trump’s proposal for ending the ongoing war between the Palestinian terror group and Israel, according to a BBC report.
The report identifies Izz al-Din Haddad, who formerly commanded the Gaza City Brigade, as conveying his opposition to the peace framework through intermediaries.
Haddad now serves as Hamas’s top figure in Gaza following the elimination of previous leadership during the extended conflict with Israel.
According to the unsourced BBC account, Haddad believes the plan was designed to end Hamas regardless of whether the terrorist organization accepts or rejects the proposal.
This assessment has reportedly led him to conclude that Hamas should continue its armed resistance against Israel rather than engage with the diplomatic initiative.
The reported rejection represents a significant setback for international mediation efforts that have involved Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
It also contradicts earlier indications from sources familiar with negotiations who suggested Hamas might respond positively, albeit with requested amendments to the agreement.
Haddad’s alleged position reflects deep suspicion within Hamas leadership about the intentions behind Trump’s peace plan.
The terror group appears to view the proposal not as a genuine path to ending hostilities but as a strategic mechanism to weaken or dismantle the organization through diplomatic means.
The development comes as Trump had imposed a three-to-four-day deadline for Hamas to respond to his proposal, stating there was little room for additional negotiations.
If the BBC report is accurate, it suggests the diplomatic window may close without Hamas’s cooperation.
The rejection also raises questions about the viability of achieving any near-term ceasefire or hostage release agreement.
International mediators have invested considerable effort in crafting a framework acceptable to both parties, but Hamas’s fundamental skepticism about the plan’s objectives appears to have derailed these efforts. See, More, Here>>>>
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