To the world at large, Hamas put out a statement that seemed to adopt President Donald Trump's peace plan, from release of Israeli hostages to transfer of governing authority in Gaza. The announcement was hailed as a breakthrough in efforts to end almost two years of war. But within the group, there remain tough divisions, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Hamas's political leaders, who are based in Qatar, have been ready to negotiate because Arab states and foreign mediators have been putting pressure on them. Gaza-based military commanders are not ready to give up weapons or relinquish complete control, or else a move like this would spell the ultimate death of the group.
The political wing under pressure
In Doha, months of Hamas leaders negotiating with Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries have ensued. Isolated from the ground-level fighting in Gaza, they see survival through diplomacy. Arab and Muslim states, most of which have rallied behind Trump's peace plan, have urged Hamas to be cooperative lest they be left out.
For Hamas's political leaders, concessions to the Trump plan give them international legitimacy and the ability to remain in the game. They calculate that concessions like releasing hostages could prevent some confrontation and give the movement relevance in any postwar arrangement.
Gaza fighters defend the line
The military branch, however, views the peace plan as a direct threat to its survival. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades leaders have fought a grind war against Israeli soldiers since October 2023 and suffered immense losses. For them, giving up weapons or giving up control over Gaza means defeat.
Reports indicate that these commanders are particularly opposed to clauses requiring disarmament and the elimination of Hamas's rule. They resist on both ideological grounds and practical reasons: without their guns, they would be at the mercy of negotiations and subject to being hunted down by Israel.
Hostages at the centre of the split
The fate of Israeli hostages has become the most pressing test for Hamas intra-group rivalries. Trump's suggestion requires their release as a prerequisite to a truce. Political figures overseas appear to be inclined to proceed and consider it a bargaining chip they must employ. Commanders, however, stationed in Gaza worry that the release of all hostages would leave them with their last bargaining card.
This difference in perspective explains the use of qualified language in Hamas's official release. In stating general support for Trump's proposal, the group avoided committing to an immediate time frame or details of disarmament implementation.
Implications for the peace process
The internal split within Hamas has the effect of highlighting the vulnerability of Trump's proposed deal. Even if the group's political leaders sign the deal, it is open to being disregarded by military commanders in Gaza. That leaves questions about whether Hamas can appear as a unified bargaining entity — and whether any peace agreement can last without its internal conflict being resolved.
For Netanyahu's administration, the divisions make it harder to navigate already tense politics. Israel has argued for years that Hamas could not be trusted to keep promises. If the group wings are flying in opposite directions, its critics will pounce on the gap as evidence that any cease-fire will fall apart.
The uncertain road ahead
Trump is using Hamas's statement as an unconditional "yes" and urging Israel to cease its bombing to make way for the release of hostages. Arab countries are welcoming the apparent breakthrough as the first real step toward peace in years. But within Hamas, there are increasing doubts.
As the conflict continues, the organization is faced with the ruthless choice between survival through compromise and potential destruction through further defiance. Whichever side triumphs in Hamas — the pragmatists in Qatar or the fighters entrenched Gaza — gets to determine whether Trump's peace plan has any chance of success.
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