US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued an ultimatum of “three or four days” to Hamas to accept his proposed peace plan for Gaza or face severe consequences.
Backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan calls for:
- An immediate ceasefire
- Release of hostages by Hamas within 72 hours
- Full disarmament of Hamas militants
- A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
Following these measures, Trump proposed the establishment of a post-war transitional authority headed by himself, including figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Hamas is reportedly reviewing the terms, with consultations expected to take several days. Qatar, hosting Hamas’s exiled leadership, announced it would hold a meeting with Hamas and Turkey to discuss the plan.
Trump emphasized the urgency of the response, warning Hamas: “We have one signature that we need, and that signature will pay in hell if they don’t sign.” Netanyahu has also voiced skepticism about the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza governance.
The plan has received support from US allies in Europe, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, as well as backing from China and Russia. Meanwhile, local civilians in Gaza have expressed doubt, calling the plan unrealistic.
Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, Gaza has experienced widespread destruction. Israeli offensives have killed over 66,000 Palestinians and devastated much of the territory.
Trump’s peace initiative aims to end the ongoing conflict while reshaping Gaza’s governance and security, though opposition voices warn of continued hostilities if Hamas refuses the proposal.
