In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Hamas has reportedly agreed to a ceasefire proposal brokered by President Donald Trump, paving the way for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. The deal, announced just hours before Trump’s Sunday deadline, could end months of conflict, though Hamas has warned it will not disarm until Israel ends its occupation.
Hamas Signals Agreement
Hamas released a statement, translated from Arabic and obtained by Al Jazeera, confirming its willingness to engage in immediate negotiations over the U.S.-led ceasefire plan. “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this agreement,” the statement read.
The group’s response comes just hours after President Trump gave an ultimatum demanding Hamas accept his proposal or face what he called an unprecedented military onslaught.
Trump’s Sunday Deadline
On Friday, President Trump set a strict timeline for Hamas to accept the ceasefire, posting on X,
“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.” The ultimatum appeared to pressure Hamas into compliance as global leaders rallied behind the deal.
Key Terms of the Proposal
According to reports, the ceasefire plan calls for Hamas to immediately release all 48 remaining hostages, roughly 20 of whom are believed to still be alive. In exchange, Israel would halt its military offensive, withdraw from much of Gaza, and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The deal also includes allowing humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts to resume, canceling any relocation plans for Gaza’s population, and placing the territory under international administration.
New Governance for Gaza
Under Trump’s plan, Hamas would relinquish control of Gaza to an independent body of Palestinian leaders formed through “national consensus and Arab and Islamic support.” The territory of roughly two million Palestinians would then come under international oversight, jointly managed by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, the plan does not specify any path for eventual reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
White House Issues Warning
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump had made it clear to Hamas that the choice was simple: accept peace or face dire consequences.
“Hamas has an opportunity to accept this plan and to move forward in a peaceful and prosperous manner in the region,” Leavitt told reporters. “And if they don’t, the consequences, unfortunately, are going to be very tragic.”
The White House described the deal as Hamas’s final chance to avoid destruction and bring relief to civilians trapped in Gaza.
Mixed Palestinian Response
While Hamas’s statement expressed appreciation for “the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump” and “Arab, Islamic, and international efforts” to end the war, internal divisions remain.
A Hamas official told the Associated Press that certain elements of the plan were “unacceptable and need to be amended.” Many Palestinians see the deal as heavily tilted toward Israel and worry it could isolate Gaza from the broader Palestinian cause.
Hamas Refuses to Disarm
Despite agreeing in principle to the ceasefire, senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that the group will not disarm before the “Israeli occupation” ends.
This stance poses a challenge to the Trump administration’s demand that Hamas surrender its weapons as part of the peace framework. The refusal raises questions about the long-term viability of the agreement and whether both sides can fully implement the deal.