The ultimatum comes amid heavy fighting on the ground and mounting international pressure for a resolution. Trump’s statement, issued on his Truth Social platform, is designed to force a clear response from Hamas after weeks of hesitation. While the group has confirmed that internal consultations are ongoing, its leaders remain split: some argue that accepting the plan unconditionally would secure an immediate ceasefire and halt the devastating Israeli offensive, while others reject key clauses, especially demands for disarmament and the removal of Hamas cadres from Gaza.
Trump’s 20-point plan, unveiled at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages within 72 hours, and a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. In return, Hamas would disarm and a new transitional authority would be established. Oversight would fall to an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump himself, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair among its members. The proposal also foresees a large-scale reconstruction effort, backed by international funding and investment, to rebuild Gaza’s shattered infrastructure and economy.
For Israel, Netanyahu has called the deal compatible with the country’s war aims but continues to raise concerns about post-war governance and security arrangements. On the ground, Israeli forces have pressed deep into Gaza City, surrounding hospitals and sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster. Gaza’s health authorities report that more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, a figure the UN regards as reliable, with women and children making up over half of the dead.
Internationally, Egypt, Qatar and several Arab states have cautiously welcomed the proposal and shared it with Hamas, while European governments remain divided. Some have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, drawing criticism from both Trump and Netanyahu but underlining global frustration with the ongoing war.
For Palestinians trapped inside Gaza, the stakes could not be higher. Civilians describe life as a choice between fleeing bombardment or holding onto the hope that this latest peace plan may bring relief. One woman in Deir al-Balah said she feared Trump’s promises would “be another disappointment,” while another man sheltering in tents near Gaza City warned that “it is either peace, or the city will be wiped out.”
As Sunday’s deadline approaches, the sense of urgency is palpable. Trump’s gamble is that his ultimatum will break the deadlock and force Hamas to commit, while giving Israel the assurances it needs. If it succeeds, the war could end almost overnight; if it fails, the threat of escalation looms larger than ever. Either way, the Gaza crisis is hurtling toward a turning point, with consequences that will echo far beyond the region.