Former US President Donald Trump has indicated that the resolution of the Gaza conflict hinges on Hamas’s decision. Trump stated that Israel is prepared to withdraw, with the specifics relayed to Hamas. A ceasefire will be implemented immediately upon Hamas’s agreement to the deal. Trump announced on Saturday that Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line for Gaza, which has also been communicated to Hamas. He added that the ceasefire would take effect immediately and the exchange of prisoners would begin as soon as Hamas confirms its acceptance.
Trump posted on Truth Social, “After negotiations, Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line, which we have also communicated to Hamas. As soon as Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be implemented immediately, the exchange of hostages will begin, then we will discuss the next phase of withdrawal. This will bring us closer to ending this 3,000-year-old crisis.”
Trump urged Hamas to accept the peace plan immediately, warning against any delays. He called on Hamas to cease fighting and lay down its weapons, or all agreements would be considered void. Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, with a deadline of 6 PM on Sunday.
Hamas has responded positively to Trump’s peace proposal. However, some disagreements remain. Hamas has agreed to release hostages. The peace proposal also stipulates that Hamas must disarm and have no future role in Gaza. Hamas is not yet ready to accept these points.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped that the release of all hostages could be announced in the coming days. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are expected to begin in Egypt on Monday. However, many key points are still unclear — including whether Hamas will fully accept the proposal and how Israel’s security concerns will be addressed.
Earlier, the White House press secretary shared a video of Trump thanking all the Arab countries that are cooperating in his plan to end the Gaza crisis.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan includes an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of all hostages and prisoners, a phased withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an interim government under international supervision.