Washington / Gaza – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered what he called a “final warning” to Hamas, urging the group to accept a ceasefire proposal aimed at ending months of bloodshed in Gaza.
According to Hamas officials, the movement has received proposals via international mediators outlining a framework for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The plan, which has been under discussion for weeks, is reported to have gained traction after mounting international pressure for an end to the conflict.
Israeli media reported that the latest proposal includes the release of 48 Israeli hostages—most of whom are believed to have died in captivity—on the first day of the truce. In exchange, Israel would free thousands of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also sets the stage for further negotiations on a potential permanent cessation of hostilities.
In a statement, Trump, who is seeking to reclaim the presidency in the upcoming U.S. elections, said Hamas must “immediately comply” with the terms of the deal or face what he described as “serious consequences.” While he did not specify what actions he would take, his comments were widely interpreted as a bid to increase U.S. pressure on Hamas while bolstering his own credentials on Middle East policy.
The Israeli government has not officially endorsed the latest proposal, but senior officials told local media that it is being given “serious consideration.” Israel has consistently demanded the unconditional release of hostages as a prerequisite for any long-term ceasefire.
The standoff underscores the complexity of negotiations in Gaza, where humanitarian concerns, regional politics, and international diplomacy intersect. For Trump, the moment presents both a foreign policy challenge and an opportunity to position himself as a decisive actor on the global stage.
Whether Hamas accepts the deal remains uncertain. But with hostages’ families demanding action, Israel weighing its options, and Trump issuing stark ultimatums, the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping not only the future of Gaza but also the broader trajectory of U.S. engagement in the Middle East.
