Palestinians watch smoke billowing during Israeli strikes upon arrival on a coastal path northwest of Nuseirat refugee camp as they are displaced southward from Wadi Gaza on Wednesday. Israel’s defense minister issued a final warning for Gaza City residents to flee south this week, as the Palestinian Hamas movement weighed the latest U.S. plan to end nearly two years of war in the Palestinian territory.
Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump has set a Sunday evening deadline for Hamas to respond to the ceasefire proposal recently presented by the White House, a plan that Israel has already accepted.
In a message posted on Truth Social early Friday, Trump declared this would be Hamas’s “final opportunity,” warning that failure to comply would result in their forces being “swiftly eliminated.” This ultimatum arrives just days before the conflict reaches its two-year mark.
Trump emphasized, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not accepted, unprecedented devastation will be unleashed on Hamas.”
The White House unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace plan on Monday during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. This initiative aims to immediately halt hostilities in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid, and secure the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas representatives responded cautiously, requesting further details and a clear timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Rejecting what they described as a “take it or leave it” stance, a Hamas spokesperson stated on Friday, “Our people, who have endured immense sacrifices over two years, cannot forfeit their fundamental rights.”
In his Friday post, Trump urged civilians in Gaza to relocate to safer areas within the territory to avoid harm if Hamas refuses the ceasefire, though he did not specify exact locations.
Earlier this week, Israeli authorities ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate southward, warning that those remaining would be deemed militants or supporters of terrorism.
The United Nations agency overseeing humanitarian operations in Gaza reported recent intense bombardments in Deir al Balah, one of the designated relocation zones. The strikes have damaged tents, homes, and a busy marketplace, with the UN Human Rights Office noting that many casualties appear to be civilians.
Currently, displacement centers in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis are sheltering over 500,000 people. On Friday, the UN described the peace proposal as a crucial “window of opportunity” to restore aid deliveries and facilitate the release of hostages.
