Hamas Pressure: Trump Sets Gaza Peace Deadline
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Trump Issues Deadline to Hamas on Gaza Peace Plan
United States President Donald trump on May 28, 2024, issued a three-to-four-day deadline for Hamas to accept a US-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of dire consequences for rejection.
The Peace Plan and its key Provisions
The 20-point peace plan, shared with Hamas by mediators Qatar and Egypt on May 27, 2024, calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas (Reuters). A central, and previously rejected, demand is the complete disarmament of Hamas (NBC News). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, standing alongside Trump at the White House, voiced his support for the plan, stating it met Israel’s war aims (Reuters).
trump emphasized the broad support for the proposal, noting endorsements from both Israeli and Arab leaders. He stated, “I also want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years, decades, even centuries and begin a new chapter of security, peace and prosperity for the entire region” (White House Briefing Room).
Hamas’s Response and the Impending Deadline
Hamas was not directly involved in the initial negotiations leading to the plan’s formulation. However, a source briefed on the discussions indicated the group would “review it in good faith and provide a response” (Reuters). Trump, speaking to reporters, underscored the urgency of the situation, giving Hamas a limited timeframe - “three or four days” – to make a decision.
The President’s tone was stark, warning, “Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if its not, it’s going to be a very sad end.” (NBC News) He dismissed the possibility of significant further negotiation, stating, “Not much.”