Washington (TDI): US President Donald Trump signaled that a potential agreement to address the ongoing Gaza conflict is possible to happen soon, while simultaneously issuing a stark “last warning” to Hamas to accept the proposal.
Trump declared that Israel had already consented to the terms and urged Hamas to follow suit, cautioning that this would be the final opportunity for them to comply. But Trump’s warning resonates multiple similar declarations in the recent past.
His statement comes as Israel is forcing Palestinians in Gaza to leave by intensifying its military operation. This intensity followed Netanyahu’s outright statements about plans to fully occupy Gaza – plans that were not received very well by the Chief of Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Trump told reporters, following his return from New York to Washington, that negotiations were progressing and hinted at a promising outcome, though he declined to provide specifics.
On Truth Social, he “last warning” to Hamas, asserting that Israel had endorsed the terms outlined by the United States. However, this is not the first time that Trump has publicly said that Israel agrees to a proposal.
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In response, Hamas confirmed receipt of conceptual proposals from US intermediaries aimed at brokering a Gaza ceasefire. The group expressed willingness to negotiate the release of all hostages in exchange for both a cessation of hostilities and an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
According to reports citing Israel’s N12 News, the US proposal includes an initial release of 48 hostages by Hamas, in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and initiating ceasefire talks thereafter. An Israeli official, who spoke anonymously, indicated that the plan was being taken seriously.
As of recent, reports suggested that Netanyahu did not bring up any ceasefire proposals for discussion before his cabinet, where a stormy exchange took place regarding the humanitarian fallout of occupying Gaza.
In that same cabinet meeting, IDF Chief was of the view that Israel should take the proposal that is on the table and that intensifying military campaign can endanger the hostages.
Trump’s latest pronouncements could represent a renewed push for agreeing to a ceasefire proposal or it could just be another “last warning.” The negotiations have largely been stalled since the US and Israel both walked out of the Qatar and Egypt-mediated ceasefire effort.
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