Monitoring Desk
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday issued an ultimatum for Hamas to accept a 20-point ceasefire and reconstruction plan for Gaza, warning that failure to do so by 6pm US Eastern (2200 GMT) Sunday would unleash “all HELL… like no one has ever seen before.”
The warning, delivered in a lengthy Truth Social post, came as Israel’s war on Gaza enters its second year. Trump said his plan offered Hamas a “last chance” to end the conflict.
What the plan proposes
The White House proposal, unveiled during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, demands:
- An immediate ceasefire and release of hostages.
- Disarmament of Hamas and its removal from any governing role in Gaza.
- Phased Israeli withdrawals paired with a large prisoner release.
- A “Board of Peace,” led by Trump and other global leaders, to oversee Gaza’s transition.
- Humanitarian aid and a programme to “redevelop” Gaza as a “terror-free zone.”
While the plan promises food, aid, and reconstruction, it does not outline a path to Palestinian statehood, drawing strong criticism from rights groups and diplomats.
Mixed reactions
Hamas said it is “considering” the proposal and will respond “soon.” Regional mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are pressing the group to reply.
In Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told parliament that the published plan differed from the draft originally discussed with Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN. “Changes were made to our draft. I have the record,” Dar said, reiterating Islamabad’s call for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
Meanwhile, 28 UN experts issued a joint warning that the US is “not an honest broker” and that the plan risks replacing Israeli occupation with a “US-led occupation.” They said forcing “peace at any price” would fuel future instability.
What’s at stake
Trump framed the proposal as Gaza’s only off-ramp from destruction. He boasted that 25,000 Hamas fighters had already been killed and warned that the rest were “trapped” and could be eliminated if the plan is rejected.
Critics, however, argue that by sidelining Palestinian sovereignty and placing Trump at the centre of governance, the proposal risks deepening mistrust rather than ending the bloodshed.
With the Sunday deadline looming, the coming days will test whether Trump’s ultimatum can push Hamas toward compromise — or trigger a new escalation in Gaza.
