UPDATE: President Donald Trump has issued an urgent ultimatum, setting a 6 PM deadline on October 15, 2023 for Hamas to accept a proposed plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a striking social media post, Trump warned of “stark consequences” if Hamas fails to sign the agreement, stating, “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”
This latest proposal, unveiled earlier this week in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a comprehensive 20-point plan. It demands the release of all hostages held by Hamas and specifies that the group, classified as a terrorist organization by both the US and EU, will have no future role in Gaza. Notably, the proposal also includes provisions for Israel to release nearly 2,000 prisoners while ensuring that it will not occupy or annex the territory.
Trump’s ultimatum comes as pressure mounts from Arab and Muslim leaders urging Hamas to prioritize peace over the details of the plan. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, making an end to the fighting critical for the region’s stability.
Just days prior, Trump indicated that Hamas had “about three or four days” to respond to the proposal. Should Hamas reject the agreement, Israel has signaled it will escalate its military operations, particularly focusing on seizing control of Gaza City.
In recent meetings, Hamas’ political representatives engaged with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. They reported that they are meticulously reviewing the plan and will prepare a formal response after consulting with other Palestinian factions.
The clock is ticking, and as tensions rise, the world watches closely. What happens by 6 PM tomorrow could change the course of the conflict and impact countless lives in Gaza and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as this critical situation unfolds.
