Trump’s Ceasefire Plan Deepens Rift Within Hamas Leadership

US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal for the Gaza conflict has led to significant internal divisions within Hamas, creating a split between its political and military factions. According to reports from The Washington Post, political leaders based in Qatar are inclined to support Trump’s plan, while military commanders operating in Gaza have outright rejected it. The proposal includes conditions for the surrender of weapons and the withdrawal of Hamas fighters, which have intensified tensions within the organization.

Trump has issued a Sunday deadline for Hamas to release all hostages, threatening “hellish consequences” should they fail to comply. His statement comes as Israel continues its airstrikes in Gaza, with latest reports indicating at least 20 fatalities from the bombings. Israeli officials have made it clear that military actions will persist until Hamas fully capitulates.

Internal Divisions and Reactions

In response to Trump’s ceasefire conditions, Hamas released an official statement rejecting the notion of international oversight over Gaza and demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces in one phase. Notably, the group did not address the weapons surrender clause, which further illustrates the long-standing divide between Hamas’s political and military wings. This division has historically undermined past ceasefires, including those in 2008, 2012, and 2014, all of which collapsed due to renewed hostilities.

In parallel to these developments, Trump has approved USD 230 million in aid to Lebanon, which includes USD 190 million earmarked for the Lebanese army. Analysts speculate that this move is part of a broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah, Iran’s most influential proxy in the region. With Hezbollah noticeably reducing its attacks on Israel in 2025, some experts suggest that Trump is attempting to replicate the “divide and weaken” strategy he implemented with Hamas.

Global Reactions and Implications

The situation has also cast a spotlight on perceived double standards among global powers. For instance, while China has welcomed Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, it has consistently blocked United Nations proposals aimed at sanctioning Pakistan-backed terrorists like Sajid Mir and the Terrorist Resistance Front (TRF). In a similar vein, Trump has revived a USD 500 million counterterrorism program with Pakistan, despite concerns over the country’s history of terror financing.

In light of these inconsistencies, India has reiterated its commitment to “Operation Sindoor,” a campaign against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. Indian officials have stressed that their efforts will continue until the threat is completely neutralized, signaling a strong stance on national security that contrasts with the actions of other nations.

As the conflict in Gaza evolves, the ramifications of Trump’s ceasefire proposal will likely continue to unfold, influencing both regional dynamics and international relations. The internal divisions within Hamas, compounded by the geopolitical maneuvers of the United States, suggest that the road to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.