Hamas is inclined to accept a Gaza peace plan laid out by Donald Trump but only under certain conditions, officials close to Israel-Hamas negotiations in Qatar told Haaretz.
The group is currently consulting with other Palestinian factions to come to a unified position on the plan.
Hamas is expected to clarify that it is willing to accept the outline that was presented to Arab leaders last week, before prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu made changes to it, the outlet added.
A Palestinian source close to Hamas’ leadership told AFP it wanted to amend certain clauses in the plan including in disarmament and Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza.
The group also wants guarantees that no assassination attempts will be made on its members inside or outside the territory.
Netanyahu and Trump have warned Hamas to accept the 20-point plan, which would see the group relinquish its political and military leadership in Gaza and lay down its arms.
Trump’s plan would appoint him as the chair of a “board of peace” serving as an oversight body led by a committee that includes former British prime minister Tony Blair.
Key Points
- Hamas 'inclined to accept' Trump peace plan with amendments - report
- Aid flotilla ‘aggressively circled’ by Israeli warship
- Trump’s peace deal is ‘not serious’, son of October 7 victim tells The Independent
- Hamas to respond to peace plan today – report
- Read Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan in full
Gaza aid flotilla says Israel issued radio threats
23:59 , Joe MiddletonDon’t be fooled – Trump’s Gaza peace plan is a colonial con-trick on the Palestinians
23:30 , Joe MiddletonDonald Trump’s plans for Gaza are doomed and mad. Don’t be conned by what appears to be widespread support for it, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley
Watch: Israel says 'Greta Thunberg safe' as Gaza flotilla passengers 'transferred to Israeli port'
23:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane'Sensitive discussions' taking place over Trump's Gaza plan, say White House
22:30 , Joe MiddletonThe White House said on Wednesday there were "sensitive discussions" taking place over President Donald Trump's proposal to end the war in Gaza.
"I can tell you that there are some very sensitive discussions that are taking place, but I certainly don't want to get ahead of any announcement at this podium. I'm going to let Special Envoy Witkoff and the President of the United States handle that," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a regular briefing.
Strike called in Italy as protests flare over interception of Gaza aid ships
21:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneItalian unions called a general strike for Friday in solidarity with the international aid flotilla for Gaza, while protests sprang up in a number of cities late on Wednesday after reports that the ships had been intercepted by military personnel.
In the southern city of Naples, demonstrators got into the main railway station and halted train traffic, while police surrounded the Termini railway station in Rome after protesters gathered close to entrances.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which consists of more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, includes an Italian contingent. It has been trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza with medicine and food, despite repeated warnings from Israel to turn back.
"The aggression against civilian ships that were carrying Italian citizens is an extremely serious matter," the CGIL union said, calling the strike which other smaller unions said they would join.
Israel decries flotilla as 'PR stunt' and says activists will be deported
21:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsrael has condemned the flotilla as a “PR stunt” amid reports it has intercepted a number of boats involved.
In a post on X, its mbassador to the United Nations Danny Danon wrote: “We will not allow any PR stunt approaching an active war zone to violate our sovereignty.
“Those who tried to enter Israeli territory illegally will be deported immediately after Yom Kippur in Israel. Israel has repeatedly offered ways to peacefully deliver aid to Gaza, but this flotilla is not interested in aid - only provocation.”
We will not allow any PR stunt approaching an active war zone to violate our sovereignty. Those who tried to enter Israeli territory illegally will be deported immediately after Yom Kippur in Israel. Israel has repeatedly offered ways to peacefully deliver aid to Gaza, but this… pic.twitter.com/JVZldN0kYb
— Danny Danon 🇮🇱 דני דנון (@dannydanon) October 1, 2025
Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli military
20:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThree vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces, activists have claimed.
Greta Thunberg is among a number of other activists sailing to Gaza in an attempt to deliver aid to the besieged region.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the group said the other vessels were around 70 nautical miles from Gaza and planned to “continue undeterred”.
It also called on governments and world leaders to demand the “safety and release” of all on board the intercepted boats.
“On Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at around 8:30 pm Gaza time, multiple vessels of Global Sumud Flotilla—notably Alma, Surius, Adara—were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters,” it said.
“Prior to illegally boarding the ships, it appears as though the Israeli naval vessels intentionally damaged ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the live-stream of their illegal boat boarding.
“In addition to the boats confirmed to be intercepted, live-stream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats.
“We are diligently working to account for all participants and crew. We will share updates as soon as we have confirmed information about the status of boats, detentions, injuries and potential casualties.
“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters. We call on governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the safety and release of all on board and continue to monitor this situation closely.
“Despite interception of a few vessels, the Global Sumud Flotilla is 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline and will continue undeterred.”
Watch: Israeli warship 'aggressively circles Gaza aid flotilla'
20:30 , Alex CroftUnclear whether Unrwa ban will be lifted in Trump plan, says spokesperson
20:00 , Alex CroftIt is unclear whether the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency will be able to carry out its work as part of Trump’s peace plan in Gaza, a spokesperson has told The Independent.
“We don’t have any details on whether Unrwa will be allowed to bring in much-needed supplies that are currently stuck in Jordan and Egypt” said Juliette Touma.
The agency was designated as a terrorist group by Israel due to alleged links between some of its workers with Hamas, prohibiting it from operating within the country.
“We need to be allowed to do out work, for this ban to be lifted, so we are able to bring in supplies, able to go in as international personnel to support our Palestinian staff in the work that they are doing.
“If this plan is implemented and the guns fall silent finally, Unrwa can play a key role in education for children,” she adds, explaining that it has experience and knowhow in managing the education for 300,000 Gazan children.
Germany arrests three men suspected of targeting Jewish institutions for Hamas
19:44 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGerman police arrested three men they suspect of preparing a serious act of violence against Jewish targets in Germany for Hamas, prosecutors said on Wednesday, a week before the second anniversary of the militant Islamist group's attack on Israel.
Prosecutors suspect the three men of being foreign operatives for Hamas and of being involved in procuring firearms and ammunition to be used for assassinations targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany, they said.
Hamas on Wednesday denied links to the three men, calling the allegations unfounded and saying its struggle is "confined to opposing Israeli occupation in Palestine."
White House says 'sensitive discussions' ongoing over Trump's Gaza plan
19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe White House said on Wednesday there were "sensitive discussions" taking place over President Donald Trump's proposal to end the war in Gaza.
"I can tell you that there are some very sensitive discussions that are taking place, but I certainly don't want to get ahead of any announcement at this podium. I'm going to let Special Envoy Witkoff and the President of the United States handle that," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a regular briefing.
Australia ‘deeply concerned’ about safety of nationals aboard Gaza flotilla
19:00 , Alex CroftThe Australian government is “deeply concerned” about the safety of its nationals who are aboard the international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza.
On Wednesday, several of the flotilla's boats were approached by unidentified vessels, some navigating without lights.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a post on Telegram that the vessels had departed. Participants had implemented security protocols in anticipation of a possible interception.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affair and Trade said they had been in touch with six Australians onboard.
State of emergency declared on flotilla as Israeli military vessels approach
18:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Israeli navy is expected to begin intercepting dozens of boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla within an hour, organisers said, adding that a state of emergency has been declared on board their vessels attempting to bring aid to Gaza.
They said Israeli military vessels had approached to within about 10 miles, marking a critical moment as the flotilla nears a naval blockade.
Bel Trew | There is one crucial flaw in Trump’s peace plan for Gaza
18:37 , Alex CroftAplan is underway for “eternal peace in the Middle East” with officials “very, very close” to a ceasefire deal in Gaza, a beaming Donald Trump declared during a White House press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
The reason? His new “extremely fair” 20-point peace proposal.
A plan so great, he claimed, that European leaders have been on the phone heralding it as “the most incredible thing we’ve heard”.
“Some think it’s the biggest thing they’ve ever heard. They called just to find out: was it just a rumour or is it actually done?” he added.
Certainly the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt released a joint statement immediately afterwards “welcoming” Trump’s “sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza”.
Bel Trew writes:
Flotilla 'around 30 minutes' away from potential blockade
18:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists including Greta Thunberg on a mission to deliver aid to Gaza, is around 30 minutes from a suspected Israeli blockade, it has said.
“We’ve detected 20+ unidentified vessels on our radar, just 3 nautical miles ahead of our fleet,” it wrote in a post on Telegram.
“This may signal a potential naval blockade. But let it be clear: we will not be intimidated by threats, harassment, or efforts to protect Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.
“Updates will follow.”
Sumud Flotilla nears suspected Israeli vessels, crew say
18:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Global Sumud Flotilla is nearing a host of suspected Israeli vessels, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
Members of the flotilla told the news service they believed the boats to be Israel’s military blockade, adding they are they are approximately four miles (7.4km) away from at least 12 vessels.
Palestinian rights group condemns Trump's 'ultimatum' over Gaza plan
18:08 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Palestinian rights group has condemned Donald Trump’s “ultimatum” Gaza plan, calling it a “grave violation of international law and an outright assault on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people”.
The Palestinian Human Rights Organizations Council (PHROC) said the plan “entrenched and normalised” Israel’s activity in the region.
“While PHROC welcomes all genuine efforts to end the genocide in Gaza, the US plan does not aim to end the Israel’s settler colonial apartheid regime and unlawful occupation but rather to entrench and normalize it,” it wrote in a statement.
“By rewarding Israel’s systematic crimes of apartheid, persecution, and genocide, the plan denies Palestinians their most fundamental rights.
“It mirrors the failures of the international community, in ignoring the root causes i.e., the imposition of Israel’s expansionist settler colonial apartheid regime, in breach of the collective Palestinian rights to self-determination and return.”
Israeli military to close last route between northern and southern Gaza
17:49 , Alex CroftThe Israeli military has said it will close the last remaining route for residents in southern Gaza to access the north, as it continues its offensive on Gaza city.
“Al-Rashid Street will be closed to traffic from the southern sector area at 12:00 (0900 GMT),” the military’s Arab-speaking spokesperson said on X.
“Movement southward will be allowed for those who were unable to evacuate Gaza City. At this stage, the [Israeli military] permits free movement southward without inspection.”
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from Gaza City, according to UN figures.
Starmer vows to work with Middle East powers to implement Trump plan for Gaza
17:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has said he will work with leaders in the Middle East to implement Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
The US president announced his plan to end the fighting in the region this week, but is awaiting a response from Hamas.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Wednesday morning.
Sir Keir told the Crown Prince he felt a “strong sense of responsibility” for the plan to deliver an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.
“The Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.
In a call with the UAE president, he said Mr Trump had put forward a “workable plan” to end the conflict and the two leaders agreed that Hamas must accept the terms of the deal.
Gaza civilians who remain will be treated as ‘terrorists’, Israeli foreign minister says
17:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsrael’s foreign minister Israel Katz has said Palestinians who stay in Gaza city will be seen as “terrorists” as he warned the region would face Israeli military operations “at full force”.
“The IDF has completed in recent hours the capture of the Netzarim axis up to the Gaza coast, effectively dividing Gaza between north and south,” he wrote in a post on X.
“This tightens the encirclement around Gaza City, and anyone leaving it southward will be required to pass through the IDF's inspection checkpoints.
“This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas terrorists isolated in Gaza City itself, facing the IDF's ongoing operations at full force.
“Those who remain in Gaza will be considered terrorists and terror supporters. The IDF is prepared for all possibilities and is determined to continue its operations—until all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed, on the path to ending the war.”
At least 23 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes Wednesday morning
16:53 , Alex CroftAt least 23 Gazans have been killed by Israeli gunfire and shelling across the Gaza strip since dawn on Wednesday, medics have said according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Two Palestinians were killed at Al-Shifa hospital, 17 were killed at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, three at Al-Awda hospital, and one at Nasser Hospital, medical sources said.
Are Israel's staunchest European allies wavering?
16:22 , Alex CroftGermany and Italy, two countries who were staunch in their support for Israel since 7 October, are taking an increasingly hardline stance against the country as it continues waging war in Gaza.
Germany's ruling coalition is split on Gaza, with chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right Christian Democrats supporting Israel and the smaller Social Democrats more critical of the war.
Mr Merz has spoken to Netanyahu about his growing concerns and has curbed arms sales to Israel, but said he is not considering sanctions.
Germany's postwar support for ensuring Israel's security has been shaped by its historical responsibility for the Holocaust. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Berlin to demand an end to the war.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, meanwhile, has said she supports Italy joining recent moves to recognize a Palestinian state by European neighbors France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the United Kingdom and Portugal, as well as Commonwealth nations Canada and Australia.
In contrast to Germany, Italy has a different historical relationship to Israel, said Elisabetta Brighi, a University of Westminster professor. Deeply influenced by the country's strong trade unions and the Vatican, Italy could switch and join European efforts to pressure Israel over Gaza.
Where is the Gaza aid flotilla currently?
16:20 , Alex CroftTrump’s peace plan has caused a ‘real dilemma for Hamas’, says expert
16:15 , Alex CroftHamas are faced with a “real dilemma” following the US-Israeli peace plan ultimatum issued by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, an expert has said.
“It's a real dilemma for Hamas. And we assume that Hamas is a monolithic movement. It is not,” said professor Yossi Mekelberg, senior consulting fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House.
“[There is a] difference between what happens right now inside Gaza and what happened in Qatar right now, not so sure they agree,” he said, referring to tensions between the military group and its political bureau based in Qatar.
Accepting the deal could mean the end of Hamas as we know it, professor Mekelberg said.
“The other risk for them is that by accepting the dismantling of their military capability, the decommissioning of weapons, it might be less relevant for the foreseeable future.
“So the end of all what they did, two years later, it means almost the end of Hamas as we know it.”
Trump’s peace deal is ‘not serious’, son of October 7 victim tells The Independent
15:52 , Alex CroftDonald Trump’s peace deal put to Hamas is “not serious” and “rooted in Israeli dominance”, the son of an Israeli woman killed on October 7 has told The Independent.
But Yonatan Zeigen, the son of Canadian-Israeli peace activist Vivian Silver, who was killed in the Be’eri massacre, hopes Hamas will agree to the deal to “stop the carnage and stop the suffering”.
Speaking in a phone interview on Wednesday, Mr Silver said he sees it as the “October 6 deal”. In other words, he does not believe it brings about the systemic change to Israeli-Palestinian relations which are necessary for lasting peace.
“I don't see it as a change to create a viable future for people,” he said.
“I don't think it's a serious plan, and I think it's rooted in the same kind of dynamics that we've seen a throughout the history of the conflict, rooted in Israeli dominance and Palestinian devaluation.
“I don't think that it will grant us the future we need, but it can be a stop to the atrocities that have been committed now.”
Red Cross suspends operations in Gaza City due to Israeli offensive
15:37 , Alex CroftThe International Committee of the Red Cross said on Wednesday that it has been forced to temporarily suspend operations in Gaza City and relocate staff due to escalating hostilities.
"The ICRC will continue to strive to provide support to civilians in Gaza City, whenever circumstances allow, from our offices in Deir al-Balah and Rafah, which remain fully operational," it said in a statement.
Italy and Greece call on Israel not to hurt activists onboard the flotilla
15:21 , Alex CroftItaly and Greece on Wednesday called on Israel not to hurt activists aboard an international flotilla, which is bracing for Israeli action to prevent it from delivering aid to Gaza.
"(We) are calling on the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and security of the participants and to allow for all consular protection measures," the two countries said in a joint statement issued by their respective foreign ministers.
Rome and Athens also called on activists to accept a compromise proposal to hand over aid to the Catholic Church, letting it distribute it in Gaza, and avoid a direct confrontation with Israel.
Flotilla members have repeatedly rejected the proposal, saying that a key part of their mission is to challenge and expose Israel's naval blockade on Gaza, which they consider unlawful.
Israel's participation in international football must be decided by Uefa, says Fifa vice president
15:16 , Alex CroftIsrael's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by European governing body UEFA, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani said on Wednesday.
UEFA was expected to hold an emergency vote this week on whether to suspend Israel from European competition over the war in Gaza.
However, British media reported that the continental body has decided to hold off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the war in the region.
Israel are third in Group I of the qualifying stage for next year's World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
Israeli foreign minister implores GSF to find alternate means to deliver aid
14:53 , James ReynoldsIsrael’s foreign minister called on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to find another way of delivering aid to Gaza as the grouping approached the Palestinian enclave.
Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday cited a joint declaration from his counterparts in Greece and Italy, calling for the GSF to “accept the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem's offer to safely deliver aid intended in solidarity with the children, women, and men of Gaza”.
Sa’ar added in a post on X: “From all over, there are calls for this Hamas-Sumud provocation to stop.
“We join these calls and reiterate: It is not too late. Please transfer any aid you might have peacefully through the Port of Cyprus, the Ashkelon Marina, or any other port in the region into Gaza.”
Flotilla members have repeatedly rejected the proposal to deliver aid by alternate means, arguing it is part of their mission to expose the blockade on Gaza.
