Gaza Peace Plan Unveiled: Trump and Netanyahu Warn Hamas to Accept or Face Consequences

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, US president, and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu have issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, insisting the group accept their newly unveiled 20-point peace framework for Gaza or face severe consequences.

The two leaders met on Monday at the White House before presenting the plan at a joint press conference, calling it a historic breakthrough and a potential turning point for the Middle East. Yet, Hamas had not been consulted in advance, and its stance on the proposal remained unclear. According to Reuters, Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said the group had not even received the plan when it was announced. Later, Qatari and Egyptian mediators reportedly conveyed the details to Hamas.

Both Trump and Netanyahu underscored that the plan was not optional. Trump declared, “If Hamas refuses, Israel will have my full backing to finish the job of eliminating the threat they pose. But I hope peace can be achieved, and if Hamas rejects it … Bibi, you would have our full support to do what must be done.” Netanyahu added, “If Hamas rejects your plan, Mr President, or accepts it in name but works against it, Israel will finish the job alone. It can be done the easy way or the hard way, but it will be done.”

Earlier, the White House released the full 20-point framework. It calls for a ceasefire, an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and the creation of a transitional governing authority under international supervision. Trump emphasized that the plan demanded the release of all remaining hostages within 72 hours if Hamas accepts.

The proposal also stipulates that Hamas must lay down arms and forgo political authority in Gaza. Members willing to commit to coexistence would be granted amnesty to remain or given safe passage abroad. Trump said the arrangement would establish a temporary governing board headed by himself and including former UK prime minister Tony Blair, under a new “Board of Peace” oversight body.

Leaked documents had already suggested a postwar Gaza authority sidelining key Palestinian leaders and consolidating power under a single chair. Trump previously stirred outrage with remarks about transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” though the plan states no one will be forced to leave and that economic reconstruction will be pursued.

At the briefing, Trump and Netanyahu stressed their proximity to a final deal. Trump said, “We are very close. Now it’s time for Hamas to accept the plan.” Netanyahu, on his fourth visit to the White House since Trump’s return to office, praised Trump’s leadership and said the proposal met Israel’s war aims: returning hostages, dismantling Hamas militarily and politically, and ensuring Gaza cannot again threaten Israel.

Still, Hamas’s absence from negotiations has raised doubts. Tony Blair described the plan as bold and intelligent, while Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt expressed support in a joint statement. The Palestinian Authority also welcomed Trump’s efforts. However, Palestinian Islamic Jihad rejected it, calling the initiative “a recipe to blow up the region.”

Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified operations in Gaza City. Netanyahu vowed to eradicate Hamas entirely as the offensive—already one of the most extensive of the war—has killed more than 65,000 people, mostly civilians, and injured over 160,000 since October 2023.