Background and Context
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has given Hamas until 6:00 PM (Washington time) on Sunday to reach an agreement regarding his plan for the future of Gaza. Trump described this as Hamas’s “last chance” to strike a deal, warning of severe consequences if they fail to comply.
Who is Donald Trump?
Donald Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Known for his business background and reality TV fame, Trump’s presidency was marked by controversial policies and actions. His involvement in international affairs, including the Middle East peace process, continued after his presidency.
Why is Hamas Relevant?
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamic political organization and militant group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and the European Union. Hamas’s stance on Israel and its refusal to recognize the state of Israel have been major obstacles in achieving peace in the region.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Proposed Peace Plan
Trump’s ultimatum, communicated through his Truth Social platform, urged Hamas to reach an agreement by Sunday afternoon. He warned that if the deal is not reached, “all hell will be unleashed” on Hamas like never before.
- Evacuation Order for Innocent Palestinians: Trump called on “innocent Palestinians” to evacuate an unspecified area, anticipating a possible attack against the remaining Hamas forces.
- Threats Against Hamas: Trump stated that most of Hamas’s fighters are “surrounded and trapped, waiting only for my order to quickly end their lives.” He also mentioned that the remaining members will be “hunted down and killed,” knowing their locations.
- Final Chance for Hamas: Trump urged all innocent Palestinians to leave the potential danger zone immediately and move to safer areas in Gaza, assuring them of assistance from those ready to help.
Support and Lack of Acceptance
Trump’s peace proposal, following nearly two years of devastating Israeli attacks on Gaza, received backing from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Hamas has yet to accept the proposal.
Key Points of Trump’s Peace Plan
- Ceasefire: The plan includes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
- Release of Hostages: Hamas is expected to release any hostages in their possession within 72 hours.
- Disarmament of Hamas: The plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas.
- Gradual Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza: Israel would withdraw gradually from Gaza.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’s unprecedented assault on southern Israel. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli data. In response, Israel’s retaliatory offensive killed at least 66,225 people, as per figures from Hamas’s Health Ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Donald Trump? Donald Trump was the 45th President of the United States, serving from January 2017 to January 2021.
- Why is Hamas relevant in this situation? Hamas is a Palestinian organization controlling the Gaza Strip since 2007. Its stance on Israel and refusal to recognize the state have been major obstacles in achieving peace.
- What is Trump’s proposed peace plan? The plan includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas’s disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- Why is there a conflict between Israel and Hamas? The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’s assault on southern Israel. Israel’s retaliatory offensive followed, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
