Citing consequences, Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ to Hamas, Says Gaza Deal Could Be Reached Soon. United States President Donald Trump on Sunday signaled that his administration was close to brokering a breakthrough in the ongoing Gaza war. Speaking to reporters in Washington after a short trip to New York, Trump said his team was “working on a solution that may be very good” and warned Hamas that rejecting his latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal would bring consequences.
The comments came just hours after Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he had issued a “last warning” to the Palestinian militant group. “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well,” he wrote. “I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!”
Trump’s declaration set off a wave of speculation in Israel, Gaza, and across the region, where nearly two years of devastating conflict have left more than 64,000 Palestinians dead, thousands wounded, and dozens of Israelis still held captive.
Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ to Hamas, Says Gaza Deal Could Be Reached Soon
Hamas Confirms Receiving US Proposals
Hours after Trump’s warning, Hamas released a statement confirming that it had received “ideas” from the United States aimed at ending the war.
“Hamas welcomes any initiative that helps in the efforts to stop the aggression against our people,” the group said. It added that it was ready to “immediately sit at the negotiating table” to discuss a deal that would see the release of all hostages in exchange for:
- A clear declaration to end the war
- A total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
- The creation of a Palestinian independent committee to administer Gaza
Hamas emphasized that any agreement must ensure Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza and a permanent cessation of Israeli military operations.
Israel Still Weighing Trump’s Proposal
While Hamas signaled conditional openness, Israel remained cautious. Citing senior officials, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was “seriously considering” Trump’s proposal but had not yet made a formal response.
According to Channel 12 News, Trump’s plan envisions Hamas freeing all 48 remaining hostages of whom only around 20 are believed to be alive on the first day of a ceasefire, in exchange for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Israel, in turn, would halt its offensive on Gaza City while broader negotiations on ending the war proceed under Trump’s personal mediation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated on Sunday that the war could end only if Hamas agreed to release hostages and lay down its weapons. “This war will not end without the disarmament of Hamas,” Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem alongside his Danish counterpart.
A War Entering Its 23rd Month
Trump’s comments come as the Gaza war approaches its 23rd month, marked by relentless Israeli airstrikes, a ground invasion, and widespread devastation.
Gaza’s health ministry reported Sunday that at least 64,455 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with more than 162,000 injured.
In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its campaign in Gaza City, ordering new evacuations and pressing deeper into urban areas despite international pleas for restraint.
The conflict has also triggered a humanitarian catastrophe, with famine spreading, infrastructure in ruins, and most of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents displaced.
Trump’s Strategy: Pressure and Mediation
Trump has long positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel, but his latest push reflects a dual-track strategy: exerting public pressure on Hamas while offering himself as a mediator who can end the war.
“We’re trying to get it ended, get the hostages back,” Trump told reporters. “You’ll be hearing about it pretty soon. I think we’re going to get them all.”
He acknowledged that some hostages may already have died but pledged to secure the return of both survivors and bodies. “I think we’re going to get them all,” he repeated.
Trump has issued similar forecasts in recent months, previously predicting that the conflict would end within weeks. But this time, his language was more forceful, calling the warning to Hamas his “last.”
Hostages at the Center of Talks
The fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas remains central to Trump’s proposal. Hamas is believed to be holding around 50 captives, though Israeli officials estimate that fewer than half are still alive.
Families of the hostages have repeatedly urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize their release. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement Sunday calling on the Israeli government to support Trump’s emerging plan.
“We call on the Israeli government to announce its unconditional support for the emerging agreement,” the group said.
For Hamas, the hostages are one of the few bargaining chips left as the war drags on and its fighters continue to suffer losses under Israeli bombardment.
International Response and Doubts
Trump’s announcement drew mixed reactions internationally. Some governments welcomed signs of movement, while others warned that his vague terms left key questions unanswered.
Rights groups also voiced skepticism, noting that previous US-led efforts claimed Israeli acceptance even as Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations.
Critics fear that Trump’s “last warning” rhetoric may heighten tensions if Hamas rejects the deal.
Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders outside Hamas cautioned that any agreement must go beyond a temporary truce to address broader issues of Palestinian statehood and sovereignty.
Trump’s History of Bold Proposals
Trump has a history of making sweeping proposals for Gaza that have drawn criticism. Earlier this year, he floated the idea of turning Gaza into a US-owned “Riviera of the Middle East” after displacing Palestinians a plan condemned as ethnic cleansing by rights advocates.
Despite such controversial ideas, Trump continues to portray himself as uniquely capable of brokering peace. His allies argue that his leverage with Israel and his willingness to pressure Hamas give him an edge over other mediators, including Qatar and Egypt.
Escalation on the Ground
Even as talks gained momentum, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders in Gaza City on Sunday, urging civilians to leave a building and surrounding tent encampments. It was the second such warning in 24 hours, underscoring the volatility on the ground.
Israel’s army has repeatedly insisted that Hamas must surrender, while critics say its bombardment is causing disproportionate harm to civilians.
What’s Next?
With Hamas signaling readiness to negotiate and Israel cautiously considering Trump’s plan, diplomatic momentum may be building. But key sticking points remain:
- Hamas insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- Israel demands Hamas disarmament, which the group rejects.
- Trump wants a swift resolution but has not detailed enforcement mechanisms.
For now, both sides appear locked in a delicate calculation. Hamas faces pressure to ease Gaza’s suffering without surrendering its leverage, while Netanyahu’s government weighs the political risks of concessions amid domestic criticism.
Trump, meanwhile, is framing himself as the decisive actor who can end the war. Whether his “last warning” translates into a real breakthrough or further escalation remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Trump’s latest remarks mark the most assertive US intervention in the Gaza conflict in months. His “last warning” to Hamas raises the stakes, but his proposal’s vagueness and Israel’s caution suggest a long road ahead.
As the war nears its second anniversary, Palestinians endure unprecedented devastation, Israelis await news of their loved ones, and the world watches to see if Trump’s gamble can produce peace or merely another round of unfulfilled promises.
Also Read: Netanyahu Orders Gaza Hostage Talks as Israel Pushes Gaza City Capture and Hamas Defeat
