It was a Sunday showdown orchestrated by Donald Trump, and his high-stakes deadline appears to have forced Hamas’s hand on a landmark peace deal. The group announced its acceptance of a U.S.-led proposal on Saturday, agreeing to release all Israeli hostages just hours before the ultimatum was set to expire.
Trump had publicly declared on Friday that an agreement must be reached by “Sunday Evening at 6 pm, Washington, D.C. time,” warning that failure to comply would result in “all hell.” This direct and unambiguous threat created a pressure-cooker environment that seemingly led to the breakthrough.
In its response, Hamas not only agreed to the hostage release but also to a complete Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of a new, technocratic government in Gaza. The group affirmed its readiness for immediate, mediated negotiations, effectively meeting the core demands of Trump’s plan before the clock ran out.
While yielding to the deadline on immediate issues, Hamas strategically deferred other topics. The statement noted that long-term political matters required further consultation, a move that allowed them to comply with the ultimatum while retaining leverage for future talks.
Having forced the issue, Trump quickly moved to claim victory and de-escalate the situation, ordering Israel to cease its bombing. The episode highlights how a carefully timed and forcefully delivered deadline can become a powerful tool in international diplomacy, compelling action where traditional negotiations have failed.