Trump’s Midnight Ultimatum to Hamas
President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Friday, saying the group must accept a proposed peace agreement by 01:00 local time on Monday or face an escalation of violence described as unseen in recent memory. The message appeared on his Truth Social account, where he framed the move as a path to lasting peace in the region, while warning that the United States would not waver in pressuring Hamas to accept terms that would protect civilian lives and stability.
The timing underscores a concerted effort by Washington and its regional partners to push for a negotiated settlement amid a volatile security environment in Gaza and along Israel’s borders. Trump tied the decision to broader regional support, noting that large, wealthy Middle Eastern powers back the plan in principle, with Israel’s sign-off and the United States providing crucial backing.
The core deadline and terms
According to the post, a comprehensive agreement must be in place by Sunday evening Washington time, with the Monday 01:00 deadline functioning as a hard cutoff. The framework envisions a ceasefire, a governance arrangement intended to preserve civilian safety, and a mechanism for addressing hostages and the dead. Civilians in danger were urged to move to safer areas in Gaza, with assurances of humanitarian access and better-coordinated relief efforts for those seeking aid.
Trump asserted that the plan would protect lives on all sides while preserving strategic aims for regional stability. He also claimed the document’s details were well known to the world and described the plan as a strong foundation for achieving peace in the Middle East “one way or another.”
Hamas Response and Mediation Efforts
Hamas has not given a definitive acceptance or rejection of the proposal. In remarks to regional media, a Hamas official indicated that the group remains in consultations and needs additional time to respond, signaling continuing internal negotiations over the terms. Reports from international outlets suggested that Hamas is seeking changes or clarifications before it can commit to the plan.
British broadcaster BBC cited a top Hamas official in Gaza who warned that the new plan could be aimed at “ending Hamas” if accepted or rejected, and that the organization intends to continue its resistance until its terms are satisfied or further changes are achieved. The interview highlighted the tension between negotiations and a willingness to escalate if a deal is deemed unacceptable.
Regional Reactions and Warnings
Regional mediators, including Egypt and other significant Arab states, have watched the negotiations closely. Egyptian officials warned that failure to accept the proposal could lead to a sharp increase in violence, while emphasizing the need to close gaps in the plan through constructive dialogue. The discussions reflect a broader pattern in which Washington, Cairo, Riyadh, and other capitals seek a path away from renewed conflict while balancing security concerns with humanitarian considerations.
Diplomats note that while the plan offers a potentially stabilizing framework, it also carries risks for all sides if trust remains limited or if deadlines are perceived as coercive. The timing places pressure on Hamas to decide quickly, even as mediators work to reconcile competing demands and ensure that any deal addresses both security guarantees and the protection of civilians.
What This Could Mean for the Middle East
The ultimatum arrives at a critical juncture for the region, where the interplay between U.S. leverage, Israeli security concerns, and Palestinian political dynamics shapes the near-term outlook. A successful agreement could avert a major flare-up and unlock humanitarian corridors, while failure to reach a deal might precipitate a new cycle of fighting with wide-reaching consequences for Gazan civilians and neighboring states.
Analysts warn that even with a formal deal, trust will take time to rebuild, and oversight mechanisms will be essential to prevent violations on either side. The next 24 hours could redefine the trajectory of the conflict, setting the tone for diplomacy, hostage negotiations, and stabilization efforts in a volatile, strategically significant region.
