US President Donald Trump has given Hamas a 48-hour deadline to accept a comprehensive 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that if Hamas does not agree to the deal by 6pm Washington D.C. time on Sunday, “all hell” will break loose, signalling a potential escalation in military action.
The peace proposal, developed in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes immediate ceasefire terms, the release of all hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas. Israel has already expressed its support for the plan. Trump stated that most Hamas fighters are “militarily trapped” and could be eliminated if he gives the order, adding that the remaining members would be “hunted down and killed.”
Hamas has yet to issue an official response. However, senior commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad criticised the plan, claiming it favours Israeli interests and dismisses Palestinian rights. He rejected key provisions such as disarmament and the deployment of an international security force in Gaza, labelling them a “new form of occupation.”
The plan outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, a large-scale release of prisoners by both sides, and the establishment of a transitional governance structure. If agreed upon, Gaza would be overseen by a technocratic Palestinian committee under the supervision of an international “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and co-chaired by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The proposal has reportedly received backing from several Muslim and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Egypt. However, Pakistan has since distanced itself, claiming the deal had been altered since it was initially presented.
Trump has urged civilians in Gaza City to evacuate southwards amid Israel’s intensifying military campaign, warning of “potentially great future death.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has echoed this sentiment, asserting that anyone remaining in the city would be considered a terrorist or a terror supporter.
The peace plan also includes economic redevelopment strategies for Gaza, including a special economic zone and international investment initiatives. It promises a pathway to Palestinian self-determination, contingent on the success of governance reforms and long-term demilitarisation.
