Washington, United States President Donald Trump has issued a Hamas Sunday Deadline demanding that the group accept his 20 point Gaza plan. He warned that if Hamas rejects the deal by 6pm Eastern time on Sunday Gaza will face further violence.
Trump posted the ultimatum on Truth Social calling Hamas a ruthless threat. He said this was the group’s last chance to accept peace or face destruction under the Hamas Sunday Deadline.
The plan does not include Palestinian statehood and makes few demands of Israel whose war on Gaza has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians. Instead it requires Hamas to give up any role in Gaza governance and to release Israeli captives. In return Israel would free more than 1,400 Palestinian detainees.
Trump also proposed creating a Board of Peace led by himself and supported by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. A separate international force would work with Palestinian police and border officials if the Hamas Sunday Deadline succeeds.
Critics argue that the plan strips Palestinians of sovereignty. A group of 28 UN experts warned that the US is not an honest broker and accused Trump of trying to replace Israeli occupation with a US led arrangement.
Humanitarian agencies say the Gaza crisis is worsening. Famine threatens half a million people as aid is blocked under Israel’s siege. Hospitals are overwhelmed and infrastructure has collapsed.
Hamas said it is reviewing the proposal but observers doubt the group will accept the terms. Trump meanwhile insisted that Israel would have full US backing if the Hamas Sunday Deadline fails.
For Gaza civilians the Hamas Sunday Deadline has raised fears of new bombardments. Rights groups say any imposed plan without justice will only fuel more violence.
