Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a stern ultimatum to Hamas, giving the group until Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Washington time (2200 GMT) to accept his proposed peace plan for Gaza. In a Friday statement posted on social media, Trump warned that failure to comply would unleash consequences of a magnitude “like no one has ever seen before,” signaling a potential escalation in military or political measures against the group.
The peace blueprint, which was unveiled earlier this week, contains 20 points designed to resolve the protracted conflict in Gaza. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the creation of a transitional government under international oversight. According to Trump, the plan has already received support from the key nations involved in the mediation process.
While discussions continue behind the scenes, Hamas officials acknowledged intensive talks with Arab mediators, Turkey, and Palestinian factions to formulate a response to the proposal. However, they have not publicly confirmed whether the group will accept the terms outlined in the plan, leaving uncertainty over how the situation will unfold as the deadline approaches.
President Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, especially following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which intensified regional tensions. In his statement, Trump described Hamas as a “ruthless and violent threat in the Middle East” and emphasized that the proposed deal is not merely a suggestion but a demand that must be taken seriously. Additionally, he urged Palestinian civilians to evacuate designated areas in Gaza, warning that any remaining Hamas militants would be “hunted down and killed” if the group refuses the agreement.
The announcement has heightened international attention, as governments and observers worldwide watch closely for Hamas’ response. The coming days will be pivotal, with the potential to either pave the way for a negotiated ceasefire or trigger a new phase of intensified conflict. The pressure on Hamas is unprecedented, and the outcome of this ultimatum could reshape both Gaza’s immediate future and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.