Hamas said there could be agreement on relinquishing its power and the release of the remaining 48 hostages, but such a move would need further discussion on the other terms of the agreement in accordance with a “unanimous Palestinian stance,” multiple outlets reported Friday. The agreement marks a major breakthrough in negotiations that have dragged on for years, but it remains unclear how Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will react to a partial agreement.
President Donald Trump gave the terrorist group an ultimatum on Friday, saying on Truth Social Hamas must accept the terms by Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or the deal is off.
“If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” Trump wrote. (RELATED: ‘Build A Better Gaza’: White House Releases ‘Comprehensive’ Peace Proposal For Gaza Strip)
Palestinian residents have been chafing under Hamas leadership, begging the group to sign the peace deal to bring some semblance of stability and hope for the destitute region. Over 33,000 Palestinians have been displaced as a result of Israeli campaigns, while nearly one in four Gazans face famine as an average of eight mass casualty incidents occur daily, according to United Nations (UN) data
Trump’s peace plan called for the immediate release of all hostages in the Gaza Strip, while handing over control of the region to an “International Stabilization Force (ISF).” The international government, which would include the consultation of “Palestinian technocrats,” would be headed by Trump himself, along with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Israel, under the full agreement, would withdraw its troops in accordance with certain milestones, withdrawing first once all hostages are released then withdrawing once more upon the ISF’s establishment of governance. A small security buffer between Gaza and Israel would also be set up inside the border.
The White House was confident that Hamas would accept the proposal, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying before Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting on September 30 that a deal was “very close.”
Trump responded to Hamas’ statements Friday night, urging Israel to cease bombing Gaza in order to get the hostages out and pursue a lasting peace.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
The White House and the Israeli Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundan.org