In a dramatic move, US President Donald Trump has given Hamas until Sunday, 6 PM Washington DC time to accept his newly unveiled Gaza peace plan. Failure to comply, Trump warned, would unleash “all hell, like no one has ever seen before” against the Palestinian group.
The ultimatum marks the most direct and forceful stance Trump has taken since presenting his peace framework earlier this week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan seeks to end nearly two years of conflict in Gaza, though Hamas has not yet formally agreed to its terms.
The Key Elements of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
The proposed deal outlines several critical steps intended to restore peace and stability in the region:
- Immediate Ceasefire: Both parties must halt all hostilities.
- Hostage Release: All hostages are to be freed within 72 hours.
- Disarmament of Hamas: The group would be required to give up its weapons.
- Phased Israeli Withdrawal: Israel would gradually pull back forces from Gaza under international oversight.
- Post-War Authority: Trump himself has proposed leading an interim post-war governance structure to ensure compliance and stability.
Trump’s Warning to Hamas
Trump’s language was uncharacteristically blunt, signaling a zero-tolerance approach. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
He further threatened that Hamas fighters are “surrounded and militarily trapped” and would be eliminated should they reject the plan. “As for the rest,” Trump added, “we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”
Hamas’s Initial Response
While Hamas has yet to issue a final statement, leaders acknowledged on Friday that the deal contains “points of concern.” Mohammad Nazzal, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, indicated that the group will soon announce its official position.
Earlier in the week, Hamas had requested time to study the proposal, with Trump saying they would have “three or four days” to respond. The Sunday deadline now adds urgency and heightens tensions.
A Region on Edge
The ultimatum comes at a fragile moment for the Middle East. With multiple nations backing the plan, Trump has framed it as a near-universal solution to end ongoing hostilities. However, the hardline approach raises questions about whether Hamas will engage in negotiations or resist the mounting international pressure.
Observers warn that failure to reach an agreement by the deadline could escalate violence further, potentially dragging the region into an even bloodier chapter.
