U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a deadline for Hamas to agree to a peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a social media post on March 15, 2024, Trump set a deadline of 18:00 (6:00 PM) Washington, DC time, warning of severe repercussions if the militant group does not comply.
“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, DC time,” Trump stated. He emphasized that all countries have endorsed the initiative, asserting that failure to reach this agreement would unleash “all HELL, like no one has ever seen before” on Hamas.
The recently unveiled 20-point plan, developed in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines steps to end the two-year conflict. Key components of the proposal include the release of all hostages held by Hamas and stipulations that the group, classified as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the European Union, will have no future role in Gaza. Additionally, Israel would release nearly 2,000 prisoners and commit to not occupying or annexing the territory.
Netanyahu has already signed the agreement, and Trump claims backing from several Middle Eastern allies. However, Hamas has yet to formally accept the terms. Leaders from Arab and Muslim nations have been urging the group to consider the proposal, emphasizing that an end to the violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza should take precedence over minor details of the plan.
Earlier this week, Trump indicated that Hamas has “about three or four days” to make a decision. Should Hamas reject the proposal, Israel has signaled its intent to continue its military operations aimed at gaining control over Gaza City in the northern part of the Palestinian territory.
In recent discussions, members of Hamas’ political wing met with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The delegation reported that they are carefully reviewing the plan and will prepare a response after addressing some technical aspects and consulting with other Palestinian factions.
As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely to see if a resolution can be reached that will bring an end to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of those in Gaza.
