US President Donald Trump has issued a deadline of 2200 GMT on Sunday for Hamas to accept his 20-point peace plan for Gaza, cautioning the group of dire consequences if they do not comply. The ultimatum, set by the US leader, corresponds to 1:00 am Monday in Gaza. This ultimatum came after an unnamed official from the Islamist movement revealed that Hamas required additional time to review the proposal aimed at ending nearly two years of conflict in the Palestinian region.
Trump, utilizing his Truth Social platform, emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating that if Hamas does not agree to the “LAST CHANCE” agreement, severe repercussions would follow, unlike anything witnessed before. The plan, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes terms such as a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Subsequently, a transitional authority post-conflict would be overseen by Trump himself.
A Hamas official, speaking under anonymity due to lack of authorization, disclosed that Hamas was still in the process of deliberating Trump’s proposal and required more time for consultations. Earlier in the week, Trump had given Hamas a “three or four days” window to accept the peace plan, which garnered support from global powers, Arab nations, and Muslim countries.
On the ground in Gaza, the civil defense agency reported intense airstrikes and artillery bombardment on Gaza City on Friday. Medical sources informed Al Jazeera that at least 49 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, with 31 casualties in Gaza City alone. The Israeli military is currently engaged in an air and ground offensive on the urban hub, leading to mass evacuations.
Amid escalating tensions, the UN has reiterated that there are no safe havens in Gaza, labeling Israel-designated zones in the south as “death zones.” Amnesty International condemned the mass displacement crisis in Gaza as Israel intensified its offensive in Gaza City. The rights group highlighted the dire conditions faced by displaced Palestinians lacking essentials like clean water, food, and medical care.
As the conflict approaches its two-year mark, global protests have erupted following Israel’s interception of a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas is deliberating Trump’s peace plan, with sources indicating the group’s desire to amend certain clauses, particularly regarding disarmament and international guarantees for full Israeli withdrawal.
The ongoing negotiations within Hamas reflect divisions between Gaza-based officials and those abroad, primarily in Qatar. The group’s leadership has been significantly impacted by Israeli attacks, further complicating the decision-making process within Hamas. Experts stress the importance of garnering support from various factions within Gaza to achieve a unified stance on the peace plan. Health ministry figures from Gaza indicate a significant death toll, primarily affecting women and children, in the retaliatory offensive initiated by Israel since October 7, 2023.