On March 12, during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin at the White House, Trump made a statement regarding his reversal on the plan to forcibly relocate Gaza's population. This statement, if it indeed signifies a reversal of the plan, was positively received by Hamas.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that if President Trump has indeed abandoned this plan, they would welcome it. According to him, the US's decision to reverse this plan could contribute to a peaceful resolution of the military and political issues in the Middle East. Qassem also called on the US and other countries to exert pressure on Israel to refrain from annexation and to engage in negotiations.
Trump's previous statements about relocating Gaza's population to neighboring countries and placing the enclave under US control had sparked significant global controversy. These proposals were heavily criticized by many international organizations and countries, as they ignored the rights of the Palestinian people and the safety of Gaza's inhabitants. Hamas’s reaction to this reversal essentially supports such a stance, which could be an important step not only in the interests of Gaza's population but also for achieving peace in the region.
Additionally, the initial phase of peace talks between Israel and Hamas ended earlier this month, but no agreement was reached on the next phase. As a result, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, halting the flow of food, fuel, and medical supplies into the enclave. This situation has been condemned internationally as "collective punishment" and the use of humanitarian aid as a weapon.
On March 6, new negotiations aimed at ending the war began in Qatar, with US special envoy Adam Boyler attending. He held talks with Hamas representatives, discussing strategies for ceasefire, the release of US citizens held hostage, and a phased cessation of hostilities. These talks drew criticism from Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. However, Adam Boyler responded by emphasizing that the US is not an agent of Israel.
In recent days, the Hamas delegation also met with Egyptian mediators and expressed its readiness to discuss the next phase of peace talks with Israel. Israel also sent its own delegation to Doha.
On March 12, in Qatar’s capital Doha, a meeting took place with the foreign ministers of Arab countries and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, discussing the reconstruction of Gaza. Ministers from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, as well as the Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization participated in the discussions. The Gaza reconstruction plan, which was approved at an Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4, was central to the talks.
In response to these developments, the Hamas delegation also expressed its readiness to discuss the next phase of peace talks with Israel through Egyptian mediation.
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