The Gaza peace plan has reached a critical point after US President Donald Trump issued Hamas a Sunday deadline. He warned that if the group fails to accept the 20-point proposal, they would face consequences described as “all hell.” Trump set the deadline for 18:00 Washington time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday, calling it a last chance for peace.
The Proposal at a Glance
The US peace plan calls for an immediate halt to fighting. It requires Hamas to release 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the remains of others, within 72 hours. In return, Israel would release hundreds of detained Palestinians. The agreement also outlines humanitarian aid, temporary governance, and long-term regional stability.
Trump announced the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the week. The proposal includes provisions for Gaza’s governance, stating that Hamas will have no role in administration. Instead, a technocratic Palestinian committee, overseen by an international body called the Board of Peace, would govern temporarily. Trump himself would chair this body.
A Divided Hamas Response
Mediators from Turkey and several Arab states have been pressing Hamas for a positive response. Yet divisions within the group have complicated matters. The military wing in Gaza has already signaled resistance to the plan. Some political leaders based in Qatar appear open to modifications but lack control over the hostages.
One major obstacle lies in the requirement that Hamas hand over all hostages during the first three days of the ceasefire. For many in Hamas, this condition strips them of their only bargaining power. According to estimates, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, but only about 20 are believed to be alive.
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Trump’s Warning
Trump made his stance clear on his Truth Social account. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” he wrote. He added that peace would be achieved “one way or the other.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the message in a briefing. She stated that the consequences of rejecting the deal would be “very grave” for Hamas. She stressed that the president’s offer was an opportunity to bring peace and prosperity to the region.
Netanyahu’s Position
Although the plan leaves the possibility of a Palestinian state on the table, Netanyahu later clarified his opposition. In a video message, he reaffirmed his longstanding stance: “We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state.” Despite this, the Israeli government has aligned itself with the US plan, warning that rejection by Hamas will trigger military escalation.
Global and Regional Reactions
International reaction to the proposal has been mixed. European and Middle Eastern leaders welcomed Trump’s efforts, viewing the plan as a serious attempt at diplomacy. The Palestinian Authority called the US initiative “sincere and determined.”
Pakistan initially supported the plan. However, its foreign minister later noted that the points differed from a draft proposal prepared by several Muslim-majority countries. This has created some unease in regional diplomacy.
Rising Humanitarian Crisis
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel’s military offensive, launched in response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has claimed more than 66,000 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Within 24 hours before Friday noon alone, 63 people were reported killed.
Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled Gaza City after evacuation orders, but many remain trapped. Israel’s defense minister warned that those who stay during the offensive would be considered supporters of Hamas.
UNICEF spokesman James Elder strongly criticized the so-called safe zone in southern Gaza. He described it as “farcical,” pointing out that schools used as shelters have been repeatedly bombed. “Bombs are dropped from the sky with chilling predictability,” he said.
Stakes for Both Sides
The proposed Gaza peace plan stands at a fragile crossroads. For Hamas, agreeing means giving up leverage but securing a pause in the war. For Israel, rejection could justify intensifying its military operations with US backing. For civilians, the outcome could determine whether aid flows in or suffering deepens.
Trump has cast his proposal as a turning point. He insists peace will come either through negotiation or overwhelming force. As the Sunday deadline approaches, all eyes remain on Hamas’s decision and the region braces for the consequences.
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