WASHINGTON— U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday issued an ultimatum to Palestinian group Hamas, saying it must accept a proposed Gaza agreement by 6 p.m. local time on Sunday — or face what he described as an “unprecedented” and devastating response.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said the deadline represented a last chance and claimed that every other participant had already signed on. “If no deal is reached by Sunday 6 pm, a catastrophic storm will be unleashed on Hamas like the world has never seen,” he wrote, adding that remaining Hamas fighters in Gaza would be “targeted.”
At the same time, the president urged “innocent Palestinians” to move to safe areas — but did not specify where such zones would be located or how civilians should be protected.
Hamas sources told Reuters earlier that the movement was reviewing the U.S. proposal; on Saturday night a Hamas official said deliberations were continuing and that negotiators had been consulting with Arab mediators, Turkey and other Palestinian factions. The BBC later reported that contacts had been made with the military leadership of Hamas, which indicated reservations about the U.S. plan.
The proposal, unveiled by Mr. Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on September 29, calls for a rapid ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of hostages, the disarmament of militant groups in the Strip, and the establishment of a new interim authority with an international oversight mechanism. Trump has said Arab and Muslim partners would help secure Gaza and support reconstruction, while a timetable would be set for Israeli pullback.
Diplomatic efforts and third-party mediation continue as the clock ticks down to the U.S. deadline. Observers warn that any escalation would carry heavy humanitarian consequences for civilians in Gaza.
