Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday sent a sharp warning to Hamas, urging the militant group to agree to a hostage-release deal in Gaza.
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Israel is on my terms. Have accepted. Now the time has come for Hamas to also agree.”
He added that if Hamas refuses, it will face “serious consequences.” Trump stressed, “This is my last warning, no more!”
Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
According to reports, Trump rolled out a new ceasefire plan on Saturday. Under the proposal:
Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages on the first day of the ceasefire.
In return, Israel would free thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
Talks would then move forward to end the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel’s Response
An Israeli official confirmed that the country is “seriously considering” Trump’s plan but stopped short of sharing details.
On Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also hinted at a breakthrough. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem alongside his Danish counterpart, Sa’ar said: “If Hamas frees the hostages, the war in Gaza may end.”
The Roadblock
Hamas, however, has repeatedly insisted that it will only release all hostages if Israel agrees to completely withdraw its forces from Gaza and end the war.
Trump’s latest warning, coupled with his proposed ceasefire deal, has put fresh pressure on the situation. The coming days will reveal whether this push can finally bring peace to the region or escalate tensions further.