While Hamas began studying US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army would remain in most of the territory, despite his support for Washington’s proposal.

The plan calls for a ceasefire, Hamas releasing all hostages within 72 hours, disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, followed by the formation of a transitional authority headed by Trump himself.

A Palestinian source told AFP that Hamas started internal consultations between its political and military leadership inside and outside Gaza, adding that discussions could take several days due to their complexity.

Qatar, which hosts Hamas leadership in exile, said the movement promised to study the proposal “responsibly” and announced it would hold another meeting with Hamas and Turkey later Tuesday.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al-Ansari confirmed: “It is still too early to talk about responses, but we are optimistic that this plan is comprehensive.”

Trump described the announcement of the plan in Washington on Monday as “a beautiful day – perhaps one of the greatest days in the history of civilization.”

The plan stipulates that Hamas fighters completely disarm and are excluded from any future government role, with amnesty granted to those who commit to “peaceful living” and give up their weapons.

It also calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal after about two years of war that erupted on October 7, 2023.

However, Netanyahu, in a video posted on his Telegram channel following his joint press conference with Trump, said: “We will recover all our hostages alive and in good health, while the Israeli army will remain in most of the Gaza Strip.” He added that he did not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state during his talks in Washington.

In contrast, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attacked the plan, describing it as a “resounding diplomatic failure,” saying: “In my opinion, it will also end in tears, and our sons will be forced to fight again in Gaza.”

The plan includes deploying a “temporary international stabilization force” and establishing a transitional authority headed by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who praised his role in the plan, calling it “bold and smart.”

During the press conference, Netanyahu expressed doubts about granting the Palestinian Authority any role in governing Gaza, while Trump said Netanyahu strongly opposed the idea of a Palestinian state, although the plan leaves the door open for it.

Netanyahu told Trump: “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza that achieves our military objectives, and if Hamas rejects it or pretends to accept it then works to sabotage it, Israel will complete the mission alone.” Trump responded that Israel would have “full support” from Washington if Hamas does not accept the deal.

Israeli bombing continued across various parts of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to the Gaza Civil Defense and eyewitnesses.

The Israeli army said it was conducting operations throughout the Strip, especially in Gaza City, where it has launched a wide offensive for weeks, adding that in one day it struck more than 160 targets including weapons depots, monitoring sites, and Hamas infrastructure.

Global reactions were swift, with key Arab and Islamic countries, including mediator Egypt and Qatar, welcoming the “sincere efforts” after their recent talks with Trump.

European allies of Washington, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, quickly announced strong support for the plan, while China and Russia also expressed their backing.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump’s “sincere and dedicated efforts,” while the Islamic Jihad movement allied with Hamas said the plan would fuel further aggression against Palestinians.

In a statement, it said: “Through this, Israel – via the United States – is trying to impose what it could not achieve by war.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised “the efforts and leadership” of US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to end the war in Gaza.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it hopes the US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza will be implemented and contribute to advancing the peace process in the Middle East.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “Russia always supports and welcomes any efforts made by Trump to end the ongoing tragedy.”

He added: “Of course, we want this plan to be implemented and help reach a peaceful conclusion to the events in the Middle East.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the American peace proposal, writing on X: “I welcome President… Donald Trump’s commitment to ending the war in Gaza and encourage all parties to seize this opportunity now.”

She noted that “the European Union stands ready to contribute,” emphasizing the need to “end hostilities with immediate humanitarian relief for Gaza’s population and the immediate release of all hostages.”