Trump issues ultimatum to Hamas in Gaza crisis

The ongoing Gaza conflict, which escalated after Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has reached a critical juncture with U.S. President Donald Trump offering a peace plan aiming to end the war. The plan, announced by Trump, demands a ceasefire, hostages' release by Hamas within 72 hours, disarmament of Hamas, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Following the proposal, world powers, including Arab and Muslim nations, welcomed the initiative but awaited Hamas's response. Discussions within Hamas about the plan were ongoing, potentially prolonging the decision-making process due to its inherent complexities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for Trump's plan, asserting Israel's goal to recover all hostages while maintaining a military presence in Gaza. He ruled out the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of the discussions, indicating a unilateral approach should Hamas reject the offer. Despite this, voices from within Israel's far-right government criticized the proposal as a diplomatic failure and predicted further conflict. As negotiations continued, the situation in Gaza remained dire. Israeli airstrikes persisted, contributing to a staggering civilian toll, with reports indicating that the conflict has claimed significant lives, including over 66,000 Palestinians. The conditions in Gaza being described as apocalyptic underline the urgency of finding a resolution. The international community's support indicates a broader consensus on the need for a peaceful resolution to the war, though the complexities surrounding the governance of Gaza and the role of the Palestinian Authority remain unresolved. The world watched closely as Trump put pressure on Hamas alongside strong backing from European allies and other key nations. What happens next could reshape the future of the region, either through acceptance of the proposal or intensified hostilities if Hamas opts for rejection.