US President Donald Trump has instructed Palestinian Hamas fighters to take until Sunday evening to agree to his offer to resolve the nearly two-year-long war with Israel in the Gaza Strip. Trump tweeted on social media Friday that the deal needs to be finalized by six o’clock Sunday evening, Washington, DC time. He indicated that all nations have signed onto the plan and threatened to unleash all hell, like never before seen, upon Hamas if the last opportunity agreement is not achieved. The proposal requires an immediate ceasefire, all hostage release by Hamas for Palestinian captives, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and a transitional administration led by an international authority.
What the Peace Plan Includes
Trump initially laid out his plan to Egyptian, Indonesian, Jordanian, Saudi, Turkish, Pakistani, Qatari, and United Arab Emirates leaders during last week’s UN General Assembly. The 20-point plan was then relayed to Hamas by mediators Qatar and Egypt on Monday evening following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival with Trump at the White House and support of the document. Netanyahu stated the plan met Israel’s war objectives, and he supported the agreement in full.
Hamas was not a party to the talks that produced the proposal, which demands the disarmament of the militant group. It is a requirement Hamas has rejected in the past. A senior Hamas official explained to reporters late Thursday that they have yet to finalise their answer, and intense debate is underway. The official explained Hamas had consultations with Arab mediators, Turkey and Palestinian factions to mould the Palestinian reply to Trump’s initiative.
Trump Threatens Rejection Consequences
On Friday, Trump characterised Hamas as a ruthless and violent force in the Middle East. He declared remaining Hamas fighters in Gaza are trapped and will be hunted down and killed unless a deal is reached. Trump warned innocent Palestinians to vacate for safer parts of Gaza before any military operation occurs. Israel sealed off the main road of Gaza City on Thursday and has instructed its one million residents to leave the south, stating that it was their final opportunity to leave before a large-scale offensive.
The United Nations has repeatedly stated that there is nowhere safe in Gaza at the moment. Gaza City and its suburbs are facing famine based according to an international hunger monitor in late August. Israel suspended all assistance for 11 weeks between March and mid-May. The UN and aid agencies claim much more assistance is required. UN aid director Tom Fletcher stated Trump’s proposal creates a window of opportunity to deliver life-saving assistance to Palestinians and return hostages home.
News At Glance
- Trump provides Hamas with a deadline of Sunday, 6 pm Washington time, to embrace the Gaza peace agreement
- The proposal involves a ceasefire, hostage release, Israeli withdrawal and disarming Hamas
- Netanyahu supports the proposal, stating it satisfies Israel’s war objectives in full
- Hamas indicates that extensive talks are ongoing, but no final answer as yet
- UN aid chief states Trump plan provides opportunity to provide urgent humanitarian assistance
FAQs
- What is the deadline for Hamas to accept Trump’s proposal?
Hamas has to approve the offer by Sunday evening at six Washington DC time.
- What does Trump’s Gaza peace initiative entail?
The proposal demands an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, Israeli withdrawal, and disarmament of Hamas and the transitional government.
- Has Hamas signed the peace agreement yet?
No, according to Hamas, there are intensive talks, but they have not yet made up their minds.
- Who favours Trump’s Gaza offer?
Israeli and Egyptian, Indonesian, Jordanian, Saudi Arabian, Turkish, Pakistani, Qatari and UAE leaders favour the proposal.
- What if Hamas declines the deal?
Trump threatened that all hell would break out and the remaining Hamas militants would be tracked down and eliminated.
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