Donald Trump has issued a deadline for Hamas to agree to a proposed deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The US president emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if the final opportunity for an agreement is not seized, severe consequences will befall Hamas. Trump’s ultimatum, posted on Truth Social, specified a deadline of Sunday evening at 6:00 PM, Washington, D.C. time, highlighting that multiple countries have already endorsed the agreement. Failure to reach this crucial agreement, according to Trump, will lead to unprecedented repercussions against Hamas, with the ultimate goal of achieving peace in the Middle East.
Following the release of Trump’s peace plan by the White House, which envisions Gaza being overseen by a transitional entity called the “Board of Peace” led by Trump and including figures like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the terms. Meanwhile, as the deadline for Hamas to accept the deal approaches, Israeli forces have continued their offensive in Gaza, including targeting the Al-Falah school in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, resulting in casualties, including first responders.
In response to Trump’s proposal, Hamas announced its intention to review the plan before providing a formal response. Some political figures, such as Egypt’s Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty, have suggested the need for further negotiations on specific aspects of the agreement, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Qatar. Egypt and Qatar have been pivotal in mediating efforts to reach a resolution to the conflict.
Trump’s comprehensive 20-point plan outlines conditions for Hamas, including the release of hostages, relinquishing control in Gaza, and disarmament in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian prisoners and cessation of hostilities. The plan also pledges ongoing humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with oversight from the international community to support the region’s more than two million inhabitants.
Upon the announcement of the peace plan, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended Trump’s initiative, expressing gratitude for his leadership and emphasizing the importance of immediate action to end the suffering in Gaza. Starmer urged all parties involved to collaborate with the US Administration to finalize the agreement and implement it swiftly, calling on Hamas to embrace the plan and cease hostilities to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
However, Ziad Al-Nakhaleh, leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, criticized the plan as biased towards American and Israeli interests, warning of its potential to perpetuate aggression against the Palestinian population. Israeli politician Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the proposal as a diplomatic failure that disregards past events.
A recent UN-commissioned inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing multiple violations of international law. The inquiry identified several genocidal acts perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians, triggering concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region. Commission chair Navi Pillay affirmed the commission’s findings, stating that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the criteria outlined in the Genocide Convention, pointing to a deliberate intent to harm the Palestinian population.
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