US President Donald Trump has issued a dramatic ultimatum to Hamas, demanding acceptance of a new American-led peace plan or face unprecedented military action. The plan, unveiled with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, could reshape the future of Gaza and reignite debate over a Palestinian state.
The Middle East stands on the edge of a critical turning point as US President Donald Trump announced a final ultimatum to Hamas: accept a newly proposed American peace plan or face what he described as “terrible destruction.” The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, set a firm deadline of 18:00 Washington time on Sunday, heightening international pressure on the militant group.
The 20-point peace plan, jointly presented by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, outlines a detailed framework intended to end the hostilities. Central to the agreement is the release of 20 surviving Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of those presumed dead within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Trump emphasized the urgency of the deal, warning, “If we don’t reach an agreement at this juncture, there will be an all-out war against Hamas like no one has ever seen before. At least there will be peace in the Middle East.”
Arab and Turkish mediators have urged Hamas to accept the plan, but reports suggest internal divisions within the group. While some political leaders based in Qatar appear open to negotiation, Hamas’s military leadership in Gaza is opposed, arguing that the plan’s demand to release all hostages within 72 hours would strip them of their last bargaining chip.
According to Israeli intelligence, about 48 hostages remain in captivity, but only 20 are believed to be alive. The plan also envisions Hamas being completely excluded from governing the Gaza Strip, with future administration entrusted to a temporary “technical, impartial Palestinian committee” overseen by an international body called the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump himself.
Although the plan was cautiously welcomed by European and Middle Eastern leaders, controversy surrounds Netanyahu’s stance. Despite co-signing the agreement, Netanyahu reaffirmed his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, declaring, “It is not written in the agreement. We said we are firmly opposed to a Palestinian state.”
If the plan is accepted, humanitarian aid would be dispatched immediately to Gaza, where more than 66,000 people have been killed since Israel’s military operations began following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.
Israeli forces are currently intensifying their offensive in Gaza City, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that the army is “tightening the siege” to pressure Hamas. He further warned that civilians who remain in Gaza City during the offensive will be considered “terrorists and supporters of terrorism.”
International humanitarian groups, however, have condemned Israel’s tactics. UNICEF spokesman James Elder called the so-called “safe zones” in southern Gaza a “farce,” pointing to relentless airstrikes that have destroyed schools and shelters, leaving civilians with no refuge.
The ultimatum underscores both the fragile hope for peace and the grave risk of escalation. If Hamas rejects the plan, Trump has pledged US backing for Israel to “finish the job,” leaving the world bracing for what could become one of the most destructive phases of the conflict yet.
