The United States has given Hamas a four‑day deadline to respond to a 20‑point peace proposal for Gaza. Unveiled by the White House during a meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan calls for an immediate cease‑fire, a hostages‑for‑prisoners exchange, and a phased Israeli withdrawal. It envisions Gaza as a “deradicalized, terror‑free zone” in which Hamas is excluded from governance.
Trump said Hamas has “not much” room to negotiate and warned that a refusal would lead to a “sad end.” He added that if Hamas rejects or violates the plan, Israel will have his “full backing.” Netanyahu echoed this, stating that Israel would “finish the job” of eradicating Hamas if the group does not comply.
The proposal, conveyed to Hamas by mediators Qatar and Egypt, requires the group to disarm—a demand Hamas has long rejected. Hamas was not involved in the negotiations that produced the plan, which also omits any provisions that do not include Palestinian self‑determination. Nevertheless, officials close to the talks said Hamas pledged to review the plan “in good faith,” though a formal response is still pending.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, welcomed the initiative, calling it a “sincere and determined effort” to achieve peace in Gaza. Under the proposal, the Authority would assume control of Gaza once the conflict ends and the deal’s required reforms are implemented. Nearly a dozen Arab and Muslim‑majority nations—including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt—have also backed Trump’s peace initiative.
The plan carries significant implications for the region, and the next steps will be closely watched. With the four‑day deadline looming, the international community awaits Hamas’s response. Acceptance could potentially end the Gaza conflict, while rejection could lead to further escalation.
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