Following an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, Hamas has expressed a positive outlook on the Gaza proposal. Hamas indicated it is ready to participate in mediation talks to further negotiate the release of hostages and other key conditions. The group stated it accepted certain components of US President Donald Trump’s plan to cease the war in the Gaza Strip, encompassing relinquishing power and the release of all remaining hostages, but further deliberations with the Palestinians are needed on other issues.
This announcement comes hours after Trump’s warning that Hamas must agree to the deal by Sunday evening. This situation heightens the risk of a larger military escalation, nearly two years after the October 7 attack on Israel. It remains unclear how the US and Israel will react to the partial acceptance.
Trump had made it clear on Sunday that if Hamas failed to agree to the proposed peace agreement for the Gaza Strip by 6 p.m. on Sunday, the extremist group would face additional attacks. Trump appears committed to ending the fighting and securing the return of dozens of hostages before the two-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
The US President’s plan to restore peace in the Gaza Strip has received Israel’s acceptance and international support. However, key mediators like Egypt and Qatar, alongside a high-ranking Hamas leader, have emphasized the need for further discussions on certain aspects. These details remain undisclosed.
In a social media post, Trump stated the necessity of an agreement with Hamas by 6 p.m. (Washington D.C. time) on Sunday. He stated, “Every country has signed it! If this last opportunity for agreement fails, then Hamas will be hit with a wrath like never before seen. Peace will be established in the Middle East in one way or another.”
Trump unveiled a plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip this week following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for an immediate end to the conflict upon agreement by Israel and Hamas, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages (both living and deceased) and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners.
According to the plan, Hamas members who embrace peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons will be granted amnesty. Those who choose to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage. Immediate humanitarian aid will also be sent to Gaza, including infrastructure rebuilding. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those wishing to depart or return will have the freedom to do so.
The administration of Gaza would be assigned to a temporary, technical, and non-political Palestinian entity, overseen by a Board of Peace. President Donald Trump will chair this board, with participation from figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other global leaders.
The agreement ensures regional partners will guarantee that Hamas and other groups do not violate the agreement, and that Gaza will not present a threat. The United States, with Arab and international partners, will deploy an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train local Palestinian police and maintain security.
The plan explicitly prohibits Israel from occupying or annexing Gaza. Following the ISF’s establishment of stability, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will gradually withdraw, excluding border areas that will remain under control until final security is ensured.
