Trump Issues Sunday Deadline
President Donald Trump on Friday issued his most forceful ultimatum yet to Hamas, declaring that the militant group must accept his 20-point Gaza peace proposal by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday or face what he described as violent repercussions. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” Trump said during remarks in Washington. The ultimatum comes after months of stalled negotiations and amid mounting international pressure to end the war.
What the 20-Point Plan Includes
The Trump administration unveiled its proposal earlier this week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who endorsed it publicly. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, phased Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, and the disarmament of Hamas’ military wing. It also outlines the transfer of governance in Gaza to an independent Palestinian transitional authority, backed by international oversight. Reconstruction aid and humanitarian relief are also key elements of the deal, which Trump has pitched as a path toward long-term stability.
Hamas Responds Cautiously
Hamas has signaled conditional acceptance of some provisions, including the release of all hostages and the handover of administrative control to a transitional body. However, the group has not agreed to disarm—one of Trump’s central demands. Hamas officials told mediators they view the plan as a framework for further talks rather than a take-it-or-leave-it agreement. “We do not speak in black and white terms … we are looking for gray areas within which we can move,” one Hamas representative said, stressing that negotiations must continue.
Global and Regional Stakes
The ultimatum has drawn attention worldwide, with several Arab and European governments voicing cautious support for Trump’s initiative. Regional powers, including Egypt, have urged Hamas to accept the deal in full. Still, humanitarian concerns remain at the forefront: millions of Palestinians in Gaza face dire shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, and displacement warnings leave civilians with no genuinely safe place to go. Critics warn that if the deadline passes without an agreement, any escalation could devastate Gaza’s civilian population further.
What Happens Next
Trump’s warning has raised the stakes dramatically. If Hamas rejects the deal, the U.S. and Israel are expected to escalate military operations, while international mediators scramble to prevent a collapse of the fragile progress made. Hamas’ refusal to disarm may prove the most difficult obstacle to overcome. As Sunday approaches, the question remains whether the group will bend under pressure or risk triggering the “all hell” Trump has threatened.
