Key Points:
- Trump issues final ultimatum to Hamas demanding acceptance of prisoner exchange deal on Truth Social
- New ceasefire proposal requires Hamas to release 48 remaining hostages on day one for thousands of Palestinian prisoners
- Israeli Foreign Minister confirms Israel seriously examining Trump’s proposal while demanding Hamas disarmament
- Israel demolishes third residential tower in Gaza in three days as military operations intensify
- Hamas maintains stance of requiring complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before hostage releases
WashingtonD.C: US President Donald Trump has issued his most forceful ultimatum yet to Hamas, demanding the militant organization accept a new prisoner exchange agreement or face severe repercussions, marking a critical juncture in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Trump’s Social Media Ultimatum Escalates Diplomatic Pressure
Writing on his Truth Social platform Sunday, Trump declared that Israel has already accepted his proposed conditions and now Hamas must follow suit. “This is my last warning, there will be no more warnings now,” Trump stated, signaling an end to diplomatic patience with the Gaza-based organization.
The president’s public ultimatum represents a significant escalation in US involvement in the Gaza conflict, moving beyond traditional behind-the-scenes diplomacy to direct public pressure on Hamas leadership. Trump’s warning specifically mentioned “serious consequences” for non-compliance, though he did not elaborate on potential actions.
New Ceasefire Framework Demands Immediate Hostage Release
According to Reuters reporting, Trump presented Hamas with a comprehensive ceasefire proposal on Saturday that requires the immediate release of 48 remaining hostages on the first day of any agreement. In exchange, Israel would release thousands of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli detention facilities.
The proposal also includes provisions for broader discussions about ending the war in Gaza, suggesting a pathway toward more comprehensive peace negotiations. The framework appears designed to address both sides’ core demands while creating momentum for sustained diplomatic engagement.
Israeli Government Signals Serious Consideration
An Israeli official confirmed to Reuters that the government is “seriously examining” Trump’s latest proposal, though specific details about Israel’s response remain limited. The measured Israeli reaction suggests cautious optimism about the diplomatic framework while maintaining flexibility for further negotiations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized Israel’s conditions during a Jerusalem press conference with his Danish counterpart, stating that Gaza’s war could end if “Hamas releases the hostages and gives up weapons.” This statement aligns with Trump’s proposal while maintaining Israel’s fundamental security demands.
Hamas Maintains Withdrawal Preconditions
Hamas has reiterated its longstanding position that any hostage releases must coincide with Israel’s complete military withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to the conflict. This stance, reaffirmed just one day before Trump’s ultimatum, represents a significant gap with the proposed framework.
The militant organization’s insistence on Israeli withdrawal as a precondition creates a fundamental negotiation challenge, as Israel has consistently rejected complete military disengagement from Gaza without security guarantees and hostage releases.
Historical Context of Trump’s Hamas Warnings
Trump’s latest ultimatum follows previous warnings to Hamas, including a March statement demanding immediate hostage releases and the return of deceased hostages’ remains. The president had warned that Hamas’s “game would be over” if they failed to comply, though that previous ultimatum did not result in significant policy changes.
The escalation from previous warnings to this “final” ultimatum suggests growing frustration with the pace of negotiations and Trump’s determination to achieve breakthrough results in the Gaza crisis.
Israeli Military Operations Intensify
The diplomatic pressure comes as Israeli forces demolished their third residential tower in Gaza City within three days on Sunday, indicating continued military escalation despite ongoing negotiations. The sustained destruction of civilian infrastructure underscores the urgent need for diplomatic resolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that military operations are intensifying across key urban areas in Gaza, maintaining pressure on Hamas while diplomatic efforts continue. This dual-track approach of military pressure and diplomatic engagement reflects Israel’s strategy for achieving hostage releases.
Regional Implications and International Response
Trump’s direct intervention in Gaza negotiations represents a shift toward more aggressive US mediation in Middle Eastern conflicts. The public nature of his ultimatum breaks with traditional diplomatic protocol but may reflect assessment that private negotiations have reached an impasse.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation as Trump’s deadline approach could trigger significant regional developments. The success or failure of this diplomatic push may influence broader US Middle East policy and Trump’s credibility in future international negotiations.
Critical Timeline for Resolution
With Trump declaring this his “final warning,” the coming days will prove crucial for determining whether diplomatic pressure can achieve the hostage releases that have eluded negotiators for months. The stark ultimatum creates pressure on all parties while potentially limiting future diplomatic flexibility.
The high-stakes nature of Trump’s intervention means that failure to achieve results could significantly impact US diplomatic credibility in the region while success could establish a template for resolving other Middle Eastern conflicts.
