Trump Gives Hamas 3-4 Days to Accept US-Backed Peace Plan for Gaza

Strategic Insights -

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a US-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of "a very sad end" if the group rejects the proposal. The 20-point plan, which includes an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and Hamas disarmament, has been shared with Hamas by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the document, saying it satisfies Israel's war aims. Hamas has rejected the demand to disarm in the past, but an official briefed on the talks said the group "would review it in good faith and provide a response."

Key Takeaways:

  • The US-backed peace plan for Gaza includes 20 points, with demands for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, staged Israeli withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament.
  • Hamas has consistently rejected the demand to disarm, and an official briefed on the talks said the group would review the plan in good faith.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the plan, saying it satisfies Israel's war aims, but later expressed doubts about elements of the proposal.
  • Hamas faces pressure to accept the plan from Arab leaders, including the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt.
  • Israeli forces have pushed deeper into Gaza City, reaching the centre of the territory, and dropped leaflets ordering Palestinians to leave and head south.

Statistics:

  • At least 66,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Israeli offensive began.
  • 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken as hostages in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
  • The US-backed peace plan for Gaza includes 20 points, with demands for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, staged Israeli withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament.
  • Hamas officials are scheduled to meet with Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Doha to discuss the peace proposal.

Sources:

  • Reuters, citing a source close to Hamas
  • Reuters, citing a Palestinian official
  • Reuters, citing a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry
  • Cyprus Mail 2022
  • White House statement