Media: Hamas postpones decision on Trump’s ceasefire proposal

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a deadline to Hamas, giving the group “three or four days” to respond to a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. 

Despite the urgency from Washington, Hamas appears to be delaying its decision, with a representative telling AFP on September 30 that internal discussions are still ongoing and require more time. The official did not specify how long the consultations might take.

The proposal, known as Trump’s 20-point peace plan, outlines several measures designed to bring an end to the conflict and stabilise the Gaza Strip. Central to the plan is the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, as well as a phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the territory.

The plan assures that no Palestinian civilians will be forced to leave Gaza and includes a commitment to protect the population from further displacement.

A key feature of the plan is the establishment of an international stabilisation force to be deployed in Gaza with support from Arab and international partners. This force would be tasked with maintaining order and facilitating humanitarian access. The plan also calls for the creation of a transitional administration made up of non-political Palestinian figures and international experts, responsible for overseeing daily governance and essential services in the post-conflict period.

President Trump has taken a hard line, warning that if Hamas rejects the deal, the group will “pay in hell.” His ultimatum follows a high-level meeting at the White House on September 29, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally endorsed the plan.

Netanyahu made clear that Israel would continue its military operations in Gaza if Hamas refused the offer. The plan also calls for Hamas to relinquish power in the territory, but promises amnesty to individual members who agree to disarm and pledge to peaceful coexistence.

While Hamas has yet to issue a formal response, sources in Palestinian circles have indicated that internal debates could stretch for several days. Meanwhile, key regional mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have expressed their support for the U.S. initiative and are actively working to bring the parties closer to agreement.

By Tamilla Hasanova