Hamas Defies Trump Plan: Nazzal Signals Armed Presence in Gaza

In a revealing interview, senior Hamas official Mohammed Nazzal has signaled that the Palestinian militant group plans to retain a security presence in Gaza during a transitional phase and remains non-committal on disarming its forces, posing fresh challenges to the U.S.-mediated ceasefire aimed at ending the longstanding conflict.

Speaking to Reuters from Doha on October 17, 2025, Nazzal emphasized the need for a 3-5 year truce to facilitate Gaza's reconstruction, but tied any long-term commitments to broader Palestinian aspirations for statehood and "horizons and hope."

He questioned the practicality of disarmament, asking, "To whom will the weapons be handed over?" and noted that the issue extends beyond Hamas to other armed factions, requiring collective Palestinian consensus.

This stance directly undercuts core demands of President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza plan, announced on September 29, 2025, which mandates Hamas's full disarmament, the release of all hostages—including remains—and the transfer of governance to an internationally overseen technocratic committee.

Israeli officials swiftly rebuffed Nazzal's remarks, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office asserting that Hamas is already in violation of Phase 1 by failing to return all hostage bodies, warning, "They are running out of time" to comply with the agreement's no-exceptions disarmament clause.

The White House, referring to Trump's recent comments, reiterated expectations for Hamas to honor its commitments, though without specifying enforcement measures.

Nazzal defended Hamas's recent actions in Gaza, including public executions of alleged criminals and collaborators, as "exceptional measures" warranted by wartime conditions.

He claimed the group's ground presence is essential for safeguarding aid convoys from gangs and thieves in the war-torn enclave.

On hostages, Nazzal said Hamas has no desire to retain the remaining bodies of the 28 deceased captives—having returned nine so far—and cited "technical problems" in recovery, proposing involvement from intermediaries like Turkey or the U.S.

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All living hostages were released on October 13, 2025, as part of the truce's initial stage.

Key Challenges Ahead

The comments, widely circulated in global media on October 18, highlight entrenched gaps as Phase 2 negotiations loom, focusing on weapons, governance, and a potential international stabilization force, elements Nazzal said mediators have not yet broached with Hamas.

Trump has warned that failure to disarm could lead to forcible action, while tacitly approving Hamas's temporary role in curbing internal chaos. However, U.S. military officials have called for an end to violence against Gaza civilians and immediate disarmament steps.

Hamas's position echoes its historical offers of long-term "hudna" (truces) in exchange for a viable Palestinian state on 1967 borders, which Israel dismisses as tactical delays for rearmament.

Nazzal insisted the proposed truce aims at rebuilding, not war preparation, and envisions eventual elections after the transition.