Former US President Donald Trump has declared that the fate of the Gaza conflict hinges on the actions of Hamas. Trump said that Israel is ready to withdraw from Gaza, with the decision now resting on Hamas’s agreement. On Saturday, Trump announced that Israel has assented to an initial withdrawal line for Gaza, and that Hamas has been notified. He stressed that a ceasefire would commence immediately, coupled with a prisoner exchange, once Hamas confirms its agreement.
According to Trump’s post on Truth Social, ‘After negotiations, Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line, which we have also communicated to Hamas. As soon as Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be implemented immediately, the exchange of hostages will begin, then we will discuss the next phase of withdrawal. This will bring us closer to ending this 3,000-year-old crisis.’
Trump has issued a call to Hamas, urging its immediate acceptance of the peace plan and warning against any delays. He has demanded Hamas cease hostilities and lay down arms, threatening nullification of the agreements otherwise. A deadline of 6 PM on Sunday has been set for Hamas’s response.
Hamas has expressed a favorable view on Trump’s peace proposition, though some disagreements persist. Hamas has agreed to releasing hostages. The peace plan also requires Hamas to disarm and abandon any future role in Gaza. These points are not yet accepted by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed optimism for an imminent announcement regarding the release of all hostages. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are expected to begin in Egypt on Monday. However, some key issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s final position and the addressing of Israeli security concerns.
Prior to this, the White House press secretary circulated a video from Trump expressing appreciation for Arab nations’ cooperation in his plan to resolve the Gaza crisis.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan entails an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of all hostages and prisoners, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an interim government under international supervision.