Trump’s ultimatum: Sunday deadline for Hamas on a 20-point peace plan
Former U.S. president Donald Trump has set a firm deadline for Hamas to accept a newly proposed peace plan, stating on Truth Social that the group has until 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday to agree. In his post, Trump describes the agreement as a “last chance” for Hamas, warning that if the plan is rejected, a level of conflict he called “hell” will break out against the Islamist movement. The post notes that the deadline will be midnight in Sweden on Monday, underscoring the international attention this ultimatum is drawing as negotiators press for an early resolution in the Gaza crisis.
What the 20-point peace plan reportedly entails
The peace plan framed by Trump’s team—widely described as a package of 20 points—purports to offer an immediate halt to fighting, a hostage release timeline, and a mechanism for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza with independent oversight. It also calls for a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and, crucially for Hamas, the disarmament of the group under international guarantees. Advocates say the proposal would allow for the distribution of aid to civilians and a sustainable framework for a broader Israeli-Palestinian realignment, contingent on Hamas’s acceptance of the terms.
Sources familiar with the draft indicate the plan was designed with input from multiple Arab and Muslim states, aiming to reassure regional partners and international mediators. After a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, some language in the plan was reportedly refined—suggesting a flexible approach to how security, governance, and military disengagement would unfold. Still, the core elements remain a swift arms-disarmament phase and a path toward broader regional support for a Gaza settlement.
Hamas’ stance: seeking more time to deliberate
In statements to AFP, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, Mohammad Nazzal, signaled that deliberations are ongoing. He said the group has pressed mediators for a little more time to discuss numerous details, stressing that Hamas is earnestly trying to reach consensus. Hamas’ leadership has reportedly focused on questions around an amnesty for its members and the process of disarmament, along with assurances for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with international guarantees backing any agreement.
The insistence on more time underscores Hamas’ concern about the terms’ implications, both for its leadership and its rank-and-file. While the plan promises humanitarian relief and a supervised exit strategy, negotiators warn that disarmament and political normalization are contentious issues that will require credible international guarantees and ongoing oversight.
Why this matters: the broader context and potential fallout
Trump’s bold ultimatum arrives at a moment of intense regional and international diplomacy surrounding Gaza. Supporters argue a clearly defined deadline and a comprehensive 20-point plan could unlock a path to lasting ceasefire and humanitarian relief. Critics, however, warn that a rushed accord without robust guarantees may leave Hamas and Gaza vulnerable to renewed flare-ups, or could harden positions on both sides if the terms are perceived as coercive or unstable.
For the plan to stand, negotiators emphasize the need for credible verification, a transparent mechanism for hostage release, effective civilian aid distribution, and a credible security framework to prevent future escalations. The question remains whether Hamas will accept the terms by Sunday’s deadline or push for more concessions, while regional powers weigh how to backstop any agreement with legitimacy and practical support.
What happens next? Possible outcomes as the deadline approaches
If Hamas signs on, observers say the path could shift toward formal negotiations, phased disarmament, and a monitored drawdown of Israeli forces in Gaza. If Hamas rejects the plan, the risk of renewed clashes grows, with geopolitical actors likely to recalibrate their support and mediation roles. In either scenario, the clock ticks toward a pivotal moment that could reshape the ongoing effort to resolve one of the Middle East’s most enduring conflicts.
Bottom line
As Sunday’s deadline looms, all eyes are on Hamas’s response and the further details that mediators may extract from both sides. Trump frames the offer as a decisive last chance, while Hamas calls for more thorough scrutiny. The world watches as negotiators, international guarantees, and humanitarian commitments converge on a moment that could determine the fate of Gaza and the broader regional balance for years to come.
