Trump’s Sunday Ultimatum: Will Hamas Accept the New Gaza Plan?

President Donald Trump has given Hamas a deadline to accept his 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza. As fighting continues, he labeled Hamas a “ruthless and violent threat” and stressed that a deal is needed by 6 PM Eastern Time on Sunday; otherwise, Gaza could face even more violence.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump proclaimed, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.” He aims to establish peace in the region, even if it requires tough measures.

The plan was previously discussed with Arab and Muslim leaders during the UN General Assembly and presented to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Notably, Trump’s proposal does not include a clear path to Palestinian statehood, a major point of contention, and places few demands on Israel, whose military actions have led to significant Palestinian casualties.

According to a UN commission, Israel’s actions in Gaza may amount to genocide. The situation is dire, with over 66,000 Palestinian lives lost, many of whom are women and children. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with half a million people declared famished due to insufficient resources reaching civilians, largely due to an Israeli blockade.

Trump’s plan seeks to “redevelop” Gaza into a “deradicalized terror-free zone.” In return for aid flowing into Gaza, Hamas would need to relinquish any governance role. The plan also demands that Hamas release Israeli captives. In turn, Israel would free over 1,400 Palestinians detained since the conflict began.

Despite the proposal’s ambitious nature, critics have raised concerns about its feasibility and legitimacy. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed the plan diverged from earlier agreements made during UN discussions. Furthermore, a group of 28 UN experts have voiced that the US cannot be seen as an impartial mediator due to its longstanding support for Israel, arguing that the proposed plan resembles colonial practices.

The criticisms highlight a growing skepticism about whether Trump’s approach can lead to lasting peace. The notion of a “Board of Peace,” led by Trump and other world leaders, raises questions about its effectiveness and goals.

Public sentiment on social media mirrors this skepticism. Many users have discussed the complexities of the situation while expressing doubts about an agreement that could be more about political gain than genuine peace.

As this conflict approaches a grim anniversary, the stakes are high. The prospect of violence looms, and many wonder if a path to reconciliation is even possible. Peace may require dedication to understanding the nuances of these longstanding tensions, rather than a simple deadline.

For those interested in the humanitarian impact of the ongoing crisis, resources such as UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees provide relevant insight into the situation on the ground.

The question remains: Is there a way forward, or is this merely another chapter in a long history of conflict? Only time will tell if meaningful dialogue succeeds where ultimatums have failed in the past.

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