Trump Sets Deadlines for Hamas on Peace Plan
On Friday, President Donald Trump imposed strict deadlines for Hamas to accept a newly proposed 20-point peace plan, stating that if no agreement is reached by Sunday evening, significant consequences would follow.
The peace plan was unveiled during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week. It advocates for an immediate ceasefire and calls for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to withdraw in preparation for the release of all hostages. Hamas members would be expected to disarm but could remain in Gaza if they commit to peaceful coexistence.
The plan also facilitates the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Trump’s administration aims to create a temporary Palestinian committee to manage public services and local government operations.
The proposal emphasizes that Israel will not occupy Gaza and includes provisions for establishing dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians. It aims for a framework for peaceful coexistence.
Since taking office in January, the president has been focused on ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking this proposal as a critical moment for Hamas.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Hamas as a longstanding and violent threat in the region. He expressed frustration, suggesting that he was waiting for the right moment to take decisive action.
However, he also mentioned that Hamas has been given a “last chance.” The president asserted that powerful nations, along with the U.S., are ready to support a lasting peace agreement.
He reiterated the urgency of signing an agreement with Hamas by Sunday evening, warning that failure to do so would lead to unprecedented consequences for the group.
Reports indicate that Hamas is expected to respond positively to Trump’s proposal, though they have also called for adjustments. Discussions are reportedly underway in Doha involving Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding necessary modifications.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatti commented on the ongoing discussions, highlighting the need to address significant governance and security issues. He called for support of the Trump plan to help bring an end to the conflict.
Abdelatti acknowledged that regional powers like Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are pressuring Hamas to accept the proposal. He noted that if Hamas were to reject it, further escalations could be anticipated, thus underscoring the importance of garnering their approval.
He also added that Hamas leadership is aware that their influence may diminish in a post-agreement scenario, reflecting a broader consensus among Arab and Muslim nations regarding the situation.
