WASHINGTON D.C: U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas, stating clearly in a recent interview with CNN that the militant group must choose between accepting the proposed ceasefire agreement or facing “complete obliteration” in Gaza.
The President’s forceful message comes as US-mediated negotiations intensify to end the nearly two-year war. Speaking on CNN, Trump asserted that if Hamas accepts the comprehensive peace deal, Israel is prepared to halt its military operations and begin an early withdrawal from parts of Gaza, with the immediate start of a crucial prisoner and hostage exchange.
“We are only waiting for Hamas to decide,” President Trump said, emphasizing that the White House is taking “all possible steps” to make the deal a reality. He further indicated that accepting the proposal is in Hamas’ “best interest,” warning that a rejection would lead to “severe consequences.”
The current US peace proposal, which has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly includes a phased Israeli withdrawal, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, massive humanitarian aid, and a path for reconstruction. Hamas has conditionally accepted key elements of the plan, including the release of hostages, but has raised issues over the demand for its complete disarmament and exclusion from Gaza’s future governance.
Regional and international observers view the next few days as critical. Hamas’s definitive response will determine whether the current window of opportunity leads to an immediate ceasefire and the flow of urgent humanitarian aid, or if the failure of negotiations results in a devastating escalation of military operations.
