Trump warns of 'sad end' if Hamas does not accept his Peace Plan in 3-4 days

US President Donald Trump has announced that Hamas will have a window of three to four days to respond to his newly unveiled 20-point peace proposal intended to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During a press conference held at the White House, Trump emphasised the urgency of his plan, which outlines measures for a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas within a specified time frame.

The proposed framework includes the disarmament of Hamas and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Additionally, Trump has indicated that he is prepared to lead a transitional authority aimed at overseeing the implementation of the peace plan.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, is reportedly conducting discussions among its political and military leadership both within Palestine and abroad, according to information from a Palestinian source cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP). The source noted that these deliberations are complicated and may require several days to finalise a response.

In his comments, Trump asserted that all relevant parties, including Arab and Muslim nations, as well as Israel, are in agreement with the peace initiative. "Hamas is either going to accept it or not, and if not, it’s going to be a very sad end," he stated, reinforcing the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his support for the proposal, stating during the press conference that the plan aligns with Israel's objectives in the ongoing conflict. He warned that if Hamas declines the offer or works against it, Israel would take necessary actions to conclude the conflict independently.

The conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, following a coordinated attack by Hamas on Israeli territory, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and numerous abductions. In retaliation, Israeli military operations have taken a heavy toll on Gaza, with the health ministry reportedly citing over 66,000 casualties, primarily consisting of women and children.

The plan presented by Trump is aimed at addressing various humanitarian issues within Gaza. It stipulates an immediate halt to military operations, the release of hostages, and the entry of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.

Although Trump's proposal leaves the possibility for a future Palestinian state open, Netanyahu has publicly ruled out any such formation, asserting that Israel will not permit the establishment of Palestine.

The international community's response to Trump's 20-point peace plan has been cautiously optimistic, with several countries including France, Canada, and Russia expressing their support. The situation remains fluid, and diplomatic channels are expected to remain open as all parties assess the ramifications of the proposal.

As events unfold, further developments are anticipated, particularly concerning Hamas's response and the potential for renewed discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.