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Donald Trump has cautioned of a potential “massive bloodshed” if Hamas does not agree to a peace deal in the upcoming days.
Trump expressed that he will “not tolerate delays” from Hamas and urged both parties to expedite the negotiations towards a deal.
Trump has warned of a ‘massive bloodshed’ if Hamas fails to agree to a peace deal in the coming days
Hamas has agreed to certain aspects of the 20-point US peace plan.
Trump indicated that indirect discussions among Israel, Hamas, and mediators from Arab nations have been “very positive,” and he anticipates that the first phase of his proposed peace deal will be finalized “this week.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president stated: “There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and countries from all around the world (Arab, Muslim, and others) this weekend.”
“These discussions have been very successful and are advancing swiftly. The technical teams will reconvene on Monday in Egypt to finalize and clarify the details.”
“I have been informed that the first phase should be completed this week, and I urge everyone to MOVE FAST.”
“Time is of the essence, or massive bloodshed will ensue – something that nobody wishes to witness.”
This follows Hamas's agreement to some components of the 20-point US peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and the transfer of Gaza governance to Palestinian technocrats.
However, they have stated that they seek negotiations on additional matters.
Negotiators from both sides are now gathering at the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing optimism that the hostages could be released within days.
The White House has also announced that Trump has dispatched two envoys to Egypt – his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Israel to halt bombings in Gaza ahead of the discussions in Egypt on Sunday.
“You can’t release hostages amidst strikes, so the strikes must cease,” Rubio stated during an appearance on CBS News talk show “Face the Nation.”
“There cannot be a war ongoing during these negotiations.”
The radical Islamist group captured 251 hostages during their attack on October 7, of which 47 are still in Gaza.
Israeli military reports indicate that 25 of those hostages are deceased.
Israel has continued its military operations.
Gaza’s civil defense agency, operating under Hamas authority, reported that Israeli strikes resulted in at least 20 fatalities across the territory on Sunday, with 13 deaths occurring in Gaza City.
Trump stated that a ceasefire is contingent upon Hamas agreeing to a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
He revealed that Tel Aviv has consented to the initial withdrawal line presented to Hamas, and a peace process will commence as soon as the terrorist group accepts the proposal.
Hamas has previously dismissed a phased Israeli withdrawal, demanding an immediate and complete exit instead.
Over the weekend, the terror group called for a prompt initiation of a hostage-prisoner exchange with Israel, as negotiators from both sides prepared to meet in Egypt for crucial discussions.
However, many things could still go awry.
A map distributed by the White House illustrating the phases of withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip
Palestinian Hamas fighters escort Israeli hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy on a stage before handing them over
Israeli PM Netanyahu asserts, ‘Hamas will release all our hostages’
The 20-point peace plan calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the return of living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, as well as the remains of those believed to be deceased, within 72 hours.
In exchange
