Trump and Netanyahu Issue Ultimatum to Hamas
Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have presented an ultimatum to Hamas, urging the militant group to accept their 20-point peace plan for Gaza or face severe repercussions.
The leaders met at the White House and subsequently held a joint press conference, celebrating their proposal as a significant breakthrough for the Middle East. However, it appears that Hamas had not been informed about the plan, with a Hamas official stating they hadn’t received any details.
As negotiations unfolded, mediators from Qatar and Egypt engaged with Hamas to deliver the peace proposal. Trump emphasized that their offer was not optional for Hamas, asserting that Israel would have his full support to take decisive action against the group if they declined the plan.
During the briefing, Netanyahu remarked that rejection or active opposition to the plan by Hamas would lead Israel to act unilaterally. He expressed that it must be made clear that they would not tolerate further threats after their sacrifices in the conflict.
The 20-point plan, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, includes provisions for a ceasefire, a hostage exchange, an Israeli withdrawal from the territory, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a governing body led by international actors. Trump made it clear that if accepted, Hamas should release all hostages within 72 hours.
Furthermore, the proposal stipulates that Hamas must abandon governance in Gaza. Members who agree to peaceful coexistence would be granted amnesty to remain or be offered safe passage elsewhere. Trump intends to oversee a new international body for peace, which will include notable figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Despite the optimism expressed by Trump and Netanyahu, the absence of Hamas from these negotiations raises concerns about the viability of the peace initiative. As Israeli military actions continue in Gaza, resulting in significant civilian casualties, the possibility of a resolution remains uncertain, with past ceasefire attempts having failed to close the gap between the conflicting parties.
