Trump Sets Deadline for Hamas to Accept Gaza Plan
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, stating they have until Sunday evening to accept his proposal for the future of Gaza or face severe consequences.
In a post on social media, Trump declared, “An agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time.” He emphasized that every country is on board with this plan and warned that if Hamas does not comply, there would be unprecedented repercussions.
When asked about their response to Trump’s plan, a Hamas official told Reuters on Thursday, “Not yet, intensive discussion is under way.” The official added that Hamas is in talks with Arab mediators, Turkey, and Palestinian factions to formulate their reaction.
Previously, Trump had mentioned that Hamas had three to four days to consider his 20-point plan, which includes demands for disarmament—something Hamas has outright refused before.
The plan outlines a ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government overseen by an international body.
Growing increasingly frustrated in his efforts to establish a ceasefire, Trump described Hamas as a “ruthless and violent threat in the Middle East,” particularly in light of their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In his social media message, he stated that those remaining in Gaza would be “hunted down and killed” if a deal is not reached, and directed “innocent Palestinians” to move to safer areas of Gaza, although he did not specify where those areas might be.
