"Hamas Accepts Gaza Peace Plan Terms Amid Trump Ultimatum Deadline"

Hamas Accepts Key Elements of Gaza Peace Plan Amid Trump Ultimatum Deadline Looms In a significant development, Hamas announced on Friday that it has accepted certain elements of the US-backed Gaza peace plan, including releasing hostages and relinquishing power to a Palestinian body. The move comes as President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum for Hamas to agree to the deal by Sunday evening, threatening increased military action if not met. According to a statement from Hamas, the group has accepted some elements of the peace plan, but requires further consultations among Palestinians on other aspects. The statement was made hours after Trump's ultimatum, which sparked concerns about the future of Gaza and the potential consequences of non-compliance. The US-backed peace plan aims to bring an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing for nearly two years. The conflict began in 2023, with Hamas firing rockets into Israel, leading to a significant escalation of violence. Since then, both sides have suffered heavy losses, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and hundreds killed. The partial acceptance by Hamas raises questions about how the US and Israel will respond. According to sources close to the negotiations, the US is expected to provide additional support to the Palestinian Authority in exchange for Hamas's cooperation. However, Israeli officials have expressed skepticism about the deal, citing concerns about Hamas's intentions and the potential risks of releasing hostages. The situation on the ground remains tense, with both sides engaged in a fragile ceasefire. According to eyewitnesses, thousands of Palestinians continue to flee their homes in northern Gaza, seeking refuge in safer areas. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, with many families struggling to access basic necessities like food and water. In a statement, Trump emphasized the importance of Hamas's cooperation, saying that "the time for talk is over" and that "action is required now." He warned that if Hamas fails to comply with the ultimatum, there will be "consequences," including increased military action. The international community has been watching the situation closely, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution. According to UN officials, the organization is working to facilitate negotiations between the parties and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. As the deadline looms, experts are warning about the potential risks of non-compliance. "If Hamas fails to comply with the ultimatum, it could lead to a further escalation of violence," said Dr. Sarah Ben-Dor, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution. "The consequences would be devastating for both sides and would only serve to prolong the conflict." In conclusion, the partial acceptance by Hamas of the US-backed peace plan has raised hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza. However, the situation remains precarious, with many questions still unanswered about how the deal will be implemented and what implications it may have for the future of Gaza. Attribution: According to NPR News According to The Associated Press According to sources close to the negotiations According to eyewitnesses According to UN officials According to Dr. Sarah Ben-Dor, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.