Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 20-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. While Israel has signaled its approval, the future of the plan hinges on Hamas’s decision. Trump has set a deadline for Hamas to accept the deal by 6 PM on Sunday, September 5th. Failure to comply could trigger significant repercussions.
Trump has been relentless in his demands, repeatedly warning Hamas about the consequences of non-compliance. He has cautioned that rejecting the deal could unleash devastating force, implying potential military action against Gaza.
“If Hamas does not agree to the deal, a hell will break loose like no one has ever seen,” Trump stated. In a Truth Social post, he warned Hamas, “We will establish peace in the Middle East somehow. Violence and bloodshed will now stop. All hostages should be released, including those who are no longer alive.”
The phrase “We will establish peace somehow,” carries substantial weight and conveys a strong message to Hamas.
Before the ultimatum expired, Trump issued a final warning: “Take immediate action on the peace agreement, or there will be more destruction in Gaza.” He urged Hamas to swiftly agree to the peace terms with Israel to avert further devastation.
The potential for “more destruction in Gaza” suggests that Trump is prepared to respond forcefully, potentially with military action, if Hamas rejects the deal. Israel has also indicated its readiness to cooperate with the United States in any such action.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Hamas must move forward immediately, accept the deal, or all agreements will be considered canceled. I will not tolerate any delays, as many people think there will be. Gaza can no longer be a threat. Complete it soon.”
He also noted Israel’s temporary halt to bombing to facilitate the hostage release and peace agreement. However, the Gaza Civil Defense Agency reported that Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Gaza City overnight.
Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel quickly endorsed the deal, and attention has now turned to Hamas. The deal contains 20 points, including a condition that Hamas disarm and relinquish any future role in Gaza. Hamas has yet to accept these conditions, though it has agreed to release hostages, indicating a partial acceptance.
On Friday, Hamas reacted positively to the deal, agreeing to end the two-year-long war and release all hostages. However, disagreements persist on certain points.
The main point of contention for Hamas is the future political arrangement of Gaza. Hamas wants control of Gaza to be transferred to an independent Palestinian technical government, whereas Trump’s proposal calls for an international transition body, or Board of Peace.
A significant point in the U.S. proposal is that Hamas must disarm. Hamas has also made it clear that it demands the complete and final withdrawal of the Israeli army. Trump’s peace proposal stipulates that Hamas will have no role in the future government of Gaza, though the organization has neither fully accepted nor rejected this proposal.
Netanyahu expressed hope that the release of hostages would be announced within days and vowed to disarm Hamas. Negotiations between Hamas and Israeli delegations are scheduled to take place in Egypt on Monday, during which the issues of hostages and a ceasefire will be discussed.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry confirmed that delegations from Hamas and Israel will participate in talks under the Trump plan to discuss the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for the release of Israeli hostages. The ministry expressed hope that the discussions will result in concrete progress towards ending the Gaza war and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.