President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas on Friday, giving the terror organization just over 48 hours to respond to his proposed peace deal, which he released from the White House on Monday.
Trump posted on Truth Social:
For years, Hamas has posed a brutal and violent threat in the Middle East, culminating in the October 7th massacre in Israel, where innocent babies, women, children, the elderly, and many young people were savagely attacked. In retaliation for the October 7th assault, over 25,000 Hamas fighters have been killed. The remaining fighters are now surrounded and trapped militarily, awaiting my command to launch an attack that could swiftly end their lives. We know the identities and locations of those left, and they will be hunted down and eliminated. I urge all innocent Palestinians to vacate this area—poised for possible devastation—for safer regions within Gaza. They will receive assistance from those prepared to help them. This represents Hamas’s final opportunity. Powerful and wealthy nations of the Middle East, alongside the United States and with Israel’s agreement, have endorsed a peace accord ending 3,000 years of conflict in the region. The deal, sparing the lives of all remaining Hamas fighters, is known globally and benefits everyone. Whether through agreement or other measures, peace will be achieved in the Middle East. The violence and bloodshed must cease. Hamas must release all hostages, including the bodies of the deceased, now. An agreement with Hamas is required by Sunday evening at 6 PM, Washington D.C. time. Every nation has agreed. If this last chance is not accepted, an unprecedented calamity will ensue against Hamas. There will be peace in the Middle East by one means or another. Thank you for your consideration. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.
Trump’s plan has gained support from the Arab and Muslim world because it not only ensures the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, but it also provides Palestinians with a pathway to statehood, contingent upon their compliance with the agreement and successful political reforms.
