Trump Sets Sunday Deadline for Hamas to Accept Gaza Peace Plan

President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, setting a deadline of Sunday evening for the group to accept a proposed Gaza peace plan. In a Truth Social post on Friday morning, Trump warned that failure to agree would result in unprecedented military action against Hamas.

The 20-point plan, developed in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to end the two-year-long conflict in Gaza. Key provisions include the demilitarization of Hamas, a phased Israeli military withdrawal, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a transitional Palestinian governance committee co-led by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.

A central element of the plan is the release of all hostages held by Hamas. In return, Israel would release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. While the proposal excludes a two-state solution, it assures that no Palestinians will be forcibly displaced.

Hamas has expressed partial acceptance of the plan but insists that some elements require further negotiation. A Hamas official stated, "Our people who have been sacrificing much for two years cannot have this end of their basic rights given up."

In response to the plan, a Hamas source said they were looking for clarification and specifics on a timetable for when Israel would withdraw from Gaza.

Trump has urged civilians in Gaza to move to safer areas to avoid potential attacks on Hamas if the deal is not accepted, though he did not specify which areas. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the president's position, stating, "Hamas has an opportunity to accept this plan and to move forward in a peaceful and prosperous manner in the region, and if they don't, the consequences, unfortunately, are going to be very tragic."

The situation remains critical as the deadline approaches, with international attention focused on Hamas's response and the potential for escalating conflict in the region.