US President Donald Trump has set a deadline of Sunday evening for Hamas to accept a proposed peace agreement aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a social media post on Friday, Trump emphasized that “an Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, DC time.” He warned of severe repercussions should the group fail to comply, stating, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”
The proposed agreement, announced earlier this week in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, consists of a 20-point plan designed to end the two-year conflict. Trump reiterated that if Hamas does not accept the plan, Israel would have “our full backing” to take decisive military action against the organization. The proposal includes provisions for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and stipulates that the group, which the US and European Union classify as a terrorist organization, would have no role in Gaza’s future governance.
In return, Israel would release nearly 2,000 prisoners and agree not to occupy or annex Gaza. While Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the agreement, Hamas has yet to respond positively. Leaders from various Arab and Muslim nations are urging Hamas to prioritize the cessation of hostilities over concerns regarding specific details of the plan.
Trump’s ultimatum follows a statement he made on Tuesday, where he indicated that Hamas had “about three or four days” to make a decision. If the group rejects the proposal, Israel has indicated it will intensify its military operations in Gaza, particularly targeting Gaza City in the northern region.
Earlier this week, members of Hamas’ political wing convened with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. Following these discussions, the delegation announced that it was reviewing the peace plan carefully. They plan to prepare a formal response after clarifying certain technical aspects and consulting with other Palestinian factions.
As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that could alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza and its residents. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, heightening the urgency for a diplomatic solution.
