US President Donald Trump has given Hamas until Sunday evening to accept a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, warning that failure to comply will result in severe consequences. The plan proposes an immediate ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for detained Gazans.
According to multiple sources, including the White House and Arab mediators, Trump's deadline is set at 22:00 GMT on Sunday, with a stern warning that "all hell" will break out against Hamas if they reject the proposal. The plan has been months in the making, with the US administration working closely with Israeli officials to draft a comprehensive peace agreement.
The 20-point plan includes several key concessions from both sides, including an immediate end to fighting and the release of hostages within 72 hours. In exchange, hundreds of detained Gazans will be released, according to sources close to the negotiations. Arab and Turkish mediators are understood to be pressing Hamas for a positive response to the proposal.
A senior Hamas figure has expressed skepticism about the plan, stating that it is "unacceptable" and that the group will not be swayed by Trump's ultimatum. However, other Palestinian officials have expressed optimism about the potential for a breakthrough in the negotiations.
The Gaza conflict has been ongoing for nearly two years, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The latest escalation began last week, with Israel launching airstrikes on Hamas targets and Hamas responding with rocket fire into Israeli territory. According to the UN, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since the start of the conflict.
The US administration has been working closely with Arab leaders to secure a deal, with Trump meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi earlier this week to discuss the plan. The White House has also been in close contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has expressed support for the proposal.
According to NPR Politics, the US administration sees the deadline as a "last chance" for Hamas to accept the peace plan and avoid further escalation in the region. "We're giving them one last chance to make a deal," said a senior White House official. "If they reject this offer, we'll have no choice but to take further action."
The BBC reported that Trump's warning of "all hell" breaking out against Hamas has sparked concerns about potential escalation in the Middle East conflict. The US administration has not specified what form this escalation would take, but experts warn that it could lead to a wider conflict involving multiple regional players.
As the deadline approaches, both sides are bracing for the possibility of further violence. The UN has called on both parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. With just hours left before the deadline expires, the fate of the peace plan remains uncertain, leaving many wondering if Hamas will accept the proposal or reject it and face the consequences.
In a statement, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "We're giving Hamas one last chance to make a deal. If they don't take this offer, we'll have no choice but to take further action." The White House has not specified what form this action would take, but experts warn that it could lead to a wider conflict involving multiple regional players.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the international community is watching with bated breath. Will Hamas accept the peace plan and avoid further escalation, or will they reject it and face the consequences? Only time will tell.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World, NPR Politics and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.