Trump Issues Final Ultimatum to Hamas on Gaza Peace Deal

US President Donald Trump has given Hamas until Sunday night to accept his 20-point peace proposal for Gaza, warning that failure to agree would trigger a severe response.

The deadline is set for 2200 GMT, which is 1:00 a.m. Monday in Gaza.The plan, which has the support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, the disarmament of Hamas, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

It also proposes a post-war transitional authority to be headed by Trump himself.Hamas officials have said they are still reviewing the proposal and need more time for internal consultations.

Sources close to the group disclosed that its leadership is divided, with some calling for full acceptance under Trump’s guarantees, while others insist on changes to key clauses such as disarmament and security assurances against targeted killings.

The Palestinian group is also demanding international guarantees for a complete Israeli withdrawal and protections for its leaders both inside and outside Gaza. The split in opinion reflects differences between Hamas leaders in Gaza and those based abroad, particularly in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground continues. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported fresh Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza City on Friday, leaving at least 11 people dead.

Aid groups and the United Nations said there are no safe zones left in the territory, describing Israel’s designated areas in the south as overcrowded and lacking basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

Rights groups have condemned the mass displacement of Palestinians, while protests worldwide have called attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s interception of a flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists has further fueled anger.The war, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people, has dragged on for nearly two years. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in Gaza, with women and children making up over half of the casualties.

Trump’s deadline marks a critical moment, as world powers and mediators watch closely to see whether Hamas will accept the deal or push for amendments, risking an escalation of the already devastating conflict.