Former President Donald Trump has put forth a 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Israel has already given its approval, but the decision now rests with Hamas. Trump has given Hamas a deadline of Sunday, September 5th, at 6 PM to accept the agreement. If Hamas fails to meet this deadline, it could face severe consequences.
Trump has been unyielding in his demands, warning Hamas about the repercussions of non-compliance. He has warned that if the deal is rejected, devastating action could be taken, potentially involving a military strike against Gaza.
“If Hamas doesn’t agree to the deal, a hell will break loose like no one has ever seen,” Trump said. On Truth Social, Trump warned Hamas, “We will establish peace in the Middle East somehow. Violence and bloodshed will now stop. All hostages should be released, including those who are no longer alive.”
The phrase “We will establish peace somehow,” is a significant message to Hamas.
In a final warning before the deadline, Trump declared: “Take immediate action on the peace agreement, or there will be more destruction in Gaza.” He urged Hamas to accept the peace terms with Israel immediately to prevent further destruction.
The phrase “more destruction in Gaza” indicates that Trump may respond to a rejection of the deal with military action. Israel has also stated that it would partner with the United States in any such action.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Hamas must move forward immediately, accept the deal, or all agreements will be considered canceled. I will not tolerate any delays, as many people think there will be. Gaza can no longer be a threat. Complete it soon.”
He also noted Israel’s temporary halt to bombing to allow for the release of hostages and the completion of the peace agreement. However, the Gaza Civil Defense Agency reported that Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Gaza City overnight.
Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, quickly endorsed the deal, placing the onus on Hamas. The deal includes 20 points. One of these is that Hamas must disarm and have no future role in Gaza. Hamas has yet to accept these terms, but has agreed to release hostages, which is considered partial acceptance.
On Friday, Hamas responded positively to the deal, agreeing to end the two-year-long war and release all hostages, however, there are disagreements on certain points.
Hamas’s main concern revolves around the future political structure of Gaza. Hamas wants an independent Palestinian technical government to control Gaza. Trump’s proposal calls for an international transition body, or Board of Peace.
A key element of the US proposal is that Hamas must disarm. Hamas has also demanded the complete and final withdrawal of the Israeli army. Trump’s peace proposal states that Hamas will have no role in the future government of Gaza. The organization has neither fully accepted nor rejected this.
Netanyahu expressed his hope that the release of hostages would be announced in a matter of days and vowed to disarm Hamas. Negotiations between Hamas and Israeli delegations are scheduled for Monday in Egypt. The focus of these discussions will be the hostages and a ceasefire.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that delegations from Hamas and Israel would be participating in talks under the Trump plan, discussing the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for the release of all Israeli hostages. The ministry expressed hope that these talks would lead to solid progress towards ending the Gaza war and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.