US President Donald Trump warns Hams to accept US backed Gaza Peace plan as official hints rejection [Image by The Australian]
(The Post News) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave Hamas four or three days to consider a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning that the group will have “a very sad end” if they reject it. Trump called the plan the best attempt so far to bring an end to the two-year war.
Qatari and Egyptian mediators submitted the 20-point proposal to Hamas on Monday following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appearance at the White House with Trump and his public backing for the plan. Netanyahu claimed that the deal met Israel’s war goals.
Hamas, which is not part of the negotiations, said that it would study the proposal before commenting formally. A Hamas source told Reuters that the plan “favours Israel” and includes “impossible conditions” aimed at dismantling the group.
Trump Sets Deadline for Hamas
Trump told reporters that Israel and several Arab states had already agreed to the framework. “We’re just waiting for Hamas,” Trump said. “If Hamas says no, it will be a very sad end.” Asked about more negotiations, he replied: “Not much.”
The plan lays out: An immediate ceasefire, a hostage-for-prisoner exchange. A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The disarmament of Hamas. A transitional government led by an international stabilization force.
Hamas leaders oppose most strongly the disarming. A senior leader indicated that the group would not relinquish its arms, arguing the plan “ignores the Palestinian people’s rights.” Hamas opposes an international stabilizing force as well, terming it foreign occupation by another name.
Qatar reported Hamas responsibly considering the plan, but Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) rejected it outright.
In Gaza, some civilians reported that they would endorse the deal despite its flaws. “The American plan has bad clauses, but I agree with it because it will bring the war to an end,” Gazan resident Khadar Abu Kweik reported.
Palestinian journalist Fathi Sabah cautioned of a catastrophe if Hamas rejects the offer. “A rejection would grant Netanyahu permission to continue the war with U.S. and Western support,” he said.
Netanyahu’s Position
Although Netanyahu publicly endorsed the plan, he signalled reluctance on key issues. Speaking in a video posted to X, he insisted that Israeli forces remain in parts of Gaza and vowed to disobey any Palestinian state. Those statements directly contradict Trump’s plan, which calls for a full Israeli withdrawal and a potential path to Palestinian statehood.
The map also offered by Washington, showing a possible buffer area along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, also sparked controversy, with Palestinians fearing that Israel would hold on to it under security authority.
The war began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200, of whom 251 were hostages. Israeli assaults since then have killed at least 66,097 Palestinians, the Gaza health ministry reported.
The United Nations confirmed famine in Gaza City and accused Israel of genocide, which Israel denies.
To Palestinians, Trump’s proposal brings hope and fear: the possibility of putting an end to the bloodshed, but also a deal that they believe seals Israel’s dominance.
While Trump’s countdown clock ticks, Hamas has to make a choice that will shape the future of Gaza.
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