Trump's Gaza Gambit: A Sunday Ultimatum for Hamas on 'Comprehensive' Peace Plan

In a bold move that has sent ripples across the geopolitical landscape, former US President Donald Trump announced a Sunday deadline for Hamas to respond to a “very comprehensive” Gaza peace plan. Speaking at a campaign rally in Iowa, Trump positioned himself as a decisive figure capable of swiftly resolving the protracted conflict, a claim he reiterated by stating he could end the Israel-Hamas war in just 24 hours if he were still in office.

Trump’s dramatic announcement follows months of intense international efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks.

While the specifics of Trump’s proposed plan remain shrouded in mystery, his ultimatum injects a fresh, albeit enigmatic, element into the already complex negotiations.

“I have a plan, it’s a very comprehensive plan. They have until Sunday to respond,” Trump declared, without elaborating on the contents of the blueprint or the potential consequences of Hamas’s failure to meet the deadline.

This approach is characteristic of Trump’s diplomatic style, often relying on public pressure and tight deadlines to force responses from adversaries.

The former president’s statements come amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and persistent divisions over the future of the Palestinian territories.

Trump has historically shown skepticism towards the traditional two-state solution, a cornerstone of international peace efforts, preferring instead to focus on direct deals and transactional diplomacy. His past initiatives, such as the ‘Deal of the Century,’ met with widespread Palestinian rejection and limited international acceptance, highlighting the profound challenges inherent in any peace proposal.

Observers are keenly watching how Hamas, which has been under immense military pressure from Israel, will react to this unexpected demand.

The militant group’s leadership has consistently called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire as preconditions for any agreement, demands that have been largely resisted by Jerusalem. Trump's intervention adds another layer of complexity to these delicate negotiations, already fraught with distrust and deeply entrenched positions.

Furthermore, Trump’s comments also touched upon the broader regional dynamics, pointing to Iran as a significant obstacle to peace.

“Iran is a factor,” he noted, implying that the Islamic Republic’s influence over militant groups, including Hamas, complicates efforts to de-escalate tensions and secure lasting stability in the Middle East. As the Sunday deadline approaches, the world waits to see whether Trump’s latest gambit will pave the way for a breakthrough or simply add another rhetorical flourish to the ongoing conflict.