Following an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, Hamas has demonstrated a positive stance on the Gaza proposal. The group signaled its readiness to engage in mediation talks to discuss the release of hostages and other conditions in detail. Hamas stated it accepted some parts of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, including relinquishing power and releasing all remaining hostages, but further discussions are needed with the Palestinians on other aspects.
This statement was made hours after Trump’s statement that Hamas must agree to the deal by Sunday evening. This raised the threat of an even larger military attack, nearly two years after the October 7 attack on Israel. It is not yet clear how the US and Israel will react to partial acceptance.
President Trump had stated on Sunday that if Hamas did not agree to the proposed peace agreement for the Gaza Strip by 6 p.m. on Sunday, the extremist group would face more attacks. Trump appears committed to ending the fighting and ensuring the return of dozens of hostages before the two-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
The plan presented by the US President to restore peace in the Gaza Strip has been accepted by Israel and welcomed internationally. However, key mediators like Egypt and Qatar, and a top Hamas leader have said that further talks are needed on some aspects. They have not elaborated on this.
Trump said in a social media post that the agreement with Hamas should be reached by 6 p.m. (Washington D.C. time) on Sunday. He wrote, “Every country has signed it! If this last opportunity for agreement fails, then Hamas will be hit with a wrath like never before seen. Peace will be established in the Middle East in one way or another.”
Trump presented a plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip this week after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under this plan, the war will end immediately after the agreement of Israel and Hamas, and Hamas will release Israeli hostages (both living and dead), while Israel will release Palestinian prisoners.
Under this plan, Hamas members who accept peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons will be granted amnesty. Members who want to leave Gaza will be given safe passage. The agreement includes immediate and full humanitarian aid to Gaza, including reconstruction of infrastructure. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave or return will be allowed to do so.
Under the agreement, the administration of Gaza will be assigned to a temporary, technical, and non-political Palestinian body, which will be monitored by a Board of Peace. The president of this body will be President Donald Trump, and it will include members of other global leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Under the agreement, regional partners will guarantee that Hamas and other groups will not violate the agreement, and Gaza will not pose a threat to anyone. The US will deploy an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza with Arab countries and international partners, which will train local Palestinian police forces and maintain security.
The plan states that Israel will not occupy Gaza or make it its own. After the ISF ensures stability, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from the area in stages, except for the border areas that will remain under control until the final security is ensured.