WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Hamas must accept a 20-point peace plan for Gaza by 6 p.m. Eastern time (2200 GMT) on Sunday or "an inferno like no one has ever seen" will erupt against Hamas. Trump said on Truth Social that Hamas will be given "one last chance", adding that "the nations of the Middle East and surrounding areas, along with the United States of America, have agreed, with Israel's signature, to PEACE after 3,000 years in the Middle East".
He also called on Palestinians to leave areas of great danger immediately and move to safer parts of Gaza. "All will be well taken care of by those who are waiting for help." On Monday, the Trump administration released the 20-point proposal after Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting the White House.
The plan outlines a ceasefire agreement for hostages, a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, a demilitarised Gaza and international oversight of the reconstruction and administration of Gaza after the conflict. Hamas will be excluded from the government structure. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel will halt military action and withdraw to agreed lines. Hamas must release all hostages, dead and alive, within 72 hours of Israel's public acceptance of the agreement. In return, Israel will release 250 life prisoners and 1,700 Gazans who were detained after 7 October 2023. Disarmed Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty and those who wish to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to receiving countries.
At a press conference after the meeting, Netanyahu endorsed the plan, saying it met Israel's main goals - the return of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas' military capabilities, an end to the group's political presence and a guarantee of Gaza's demilitarisation. He warned that if Hamas rejected the plan, Israel would "finish the job itself." Trump, in return, promised Israel "full support" in such circumstances.
Xinhua/gnews.cz-jav