Trump Sets Deadline for Hamas to Accept Gaza Peace Plan

President Donald Trump has given Hamas a three to four-day ultimatum to accept a proposed Gaza peace plan, warning of severe consequences if they refuse. The plan, unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been accepted by Israeli and Arab leaders, with Trump stating, "We're just waiting for Hamas." He emphasized the urgency, saying, "Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if it's not, it's going to be a very sad end."

The 20-point proposal includes the release of all 48 hostages within 72 hours, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and governance by a transitional technocratic government. In return, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences, 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, and the remains of 15 deceased Gazans for every Israeli hostage released. The plan also outlines the flow of aid into Gaza and the establishment of an international advisory board chaired by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Hamas is reportedly considering the deal and is expected to respond to mediators on Wednesday. The group faces significant pressure from Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, all of whom have welcomed the initiative. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani noted that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza requires "clarification and discussion" but emphasized that ending the war is "a clear clause in the plan."

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for all parties to commit to the agreement and its implementation, reiterating his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. However, other Palestinian groups, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have expressed opposition, viewing the plan as a means to prolong the conflict and separate Gaza from the Palestinian territorial entity.

Public opinion among Palestinians in Gaza reflects skepticism, with concerns that the plan lacks a clear path to Palestinian statehood and imposes external governance reminiscent of colonial times. Israeli citizens also express doubt about the plan's effectiveness in ending the conflict, despite hopes pinned on Trump's influence.