A high Hamas officer, Mushir Al-Masri, has accused Donald Trump of having “flagrant double standards” with regard to the release of hostages in Gaza. Al-Masri’s comments came after the White House had confirmed direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of hostages, which marked a significant shift in American policy.
The conversations between Hamas and the US strive for stability in the region, Al-Masri told CNN. However, the Gaza’s -Fires Straaks remains precarious, where Israel blocks vital help to put pressure on Hamas to expand the truce. Israel has refused to have direct conversations with Hamas since the terror attack of 7 October and has sworn to eliminate the group.
Al-Masri emphasized that Hamas is trying to solve the hostage problem in exchange for negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire. This would entail the release of remaining live hostages in exchange for a sustainable end of the fighting. It is currently assumed that only one living American hostage, Edan Alexander, will remain in Gaza, together with four dead Americans and at least 12 double American prisoners.
Al-Masri criticized Trump for focusing on Israeli prisoners while ignoring the nearly 10,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. He also accused the US government of bias towards Israel and positioned himself as a party in the conflict rather than as a mediator.
Despite the conversations, Trump has continued to threaten Hamas and explains that they must immediately release all hostages or have consequences. The American envoy for the Midden -East, Steve Witkoff, hinted on possible American military action in Gaza and Hamas does not meet American requirements.
Al-Masri urged the Trump administration to stay neutral and to prevent them from becoming a “replica” of the Biden administration in its support for Israel. He emphasized that threats and intimidation would not be effective and that attempts to violate Gaza’s people would be pointless.
Trump’s plan to take the ownership of Gaza and to build a “Riviera” from the Middle East has been received with widespread criticism. The plan would require the removal of approximately 2 million Palestinians, which have been convicted as ethnic cleansing. The Arab League has proposed an alternative plan, in which an interim committee is drawn up to rule Gaza and prepare for the return of the Palestinian authority.
The situation remains complex and sensitive, with various stakeholders involved. The international community is closely monitoring and the outcome will have important implications for the stability of the region and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.