Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump has given Hamas an ultimatum, saying it has “three or four days” to respond to the 20‑point peace proposal to resolve the Gaza conflict. If Hamas refuses, Trump warned, “it’s going to be a very sad end.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump insisted there is “not much” room left for further negotiations. He said that Israeli and Arab leaders have already signaled agreement to his plan.
The proposal, released by the White House on Monday, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas.
Qatar, the official and accepted mediator in the conflict, said that it has passed on the plan to Hamas.
In addition to disarmament, the proposal also eliminates Hamas from having any role in Gaza’s governance. Both of these points will be hard for Hamas to accept.
Read More: Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye in Talks with Hamas on Trump’s Gaza Proposal
A transitional government of Palestinian technocrats would manage daily affairs, while Hamas members willing to leave the enclave would be allowed safe passage abroad. Those who stay would be offered amnesty.
The plan also envisions a “temporary international stabilization force” coordinated by the US, Arab and global partners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the plan a go-ahead as he met Trump at the White House on Monday.
Critics, however, have described the proposal as an ultimatum dressed up as diplomacy. Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent noted that Trump’s sharp deadline aligns more with coercion, not negotiation.
Read More: Netanyahu Backs Trump’s Gaza Peace Gamble, Hamas Holds the Key
Hamas leadership has said it is studying the US proposal. Qatar also confirmed that Hamas requested clarifications on several points.
Qatar also said that it will host a fresh round of talks with Hamas negotiators, alongside Egyptian and Turkish officials. However, it did not clarify if the talks can fit within the three or four days deadline that Trump has set.
According to Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari, Hamas has agreed to review the proposal “responsibly.” He said the talks in Doha would also be attended by the heads of Egyptian and Turkish intelligence.
“It is still too early to speak about formal responses, but we are genuinely optimistic. This plan is comprehensive,” Ansari told reporters.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
