Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas Over Hostages Amid Gaza Reconstruction Discussions

President Trump demands Hamas release all hostages and return deceased individuals, asserting Israel’s unyielding support for decisive action against Hamas. Concurrently, Hamas backs an Arab-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, which Israel and the U.S. dismiss due to various concerns. The Arab Summit condemns Israeli measures against humanitarian aid, calling for adherence to international laws and resolutions.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and the return of deceased individuals. This warning was posted on his Truth Social account, where he stated, “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.” He emphasized that Israel would receive everything needed to decisively eliminate Hamas members if they did not comply. Trump also urged the Hamas leadership to leave Gaza, suggesting a hopeful future for Gaza’s residents if hostages were released.

This ultimatum coincided with Hamas’s endorsement of an Arab-backed Egyptian plan aimed at rebuilding the Gaza Strip. Hamas expressed its support through a statement urging for the necessary steps to ensure the plan’s success. They welcome the support from the Arab Summit and acknowledged Egypt’s role in facilitating an international conference on reconstruction.

However, both Israel and the United States dismissed the reconstruction plan. The Israeli government reiterated support for Trump’s proposal, which includes relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt—a proposition met with resistance from Arab nations. Israeli officials criticized the Arab Summit’s reliance on the Palestinian Authority and the UNRWA, labeling them as corrupt and aligned with terrorism. Furthermore, they contended that the summit’s final statement failed to reflect the realities in Gaza following the events of October 7.

The White House expressed opposition to the Arab plan, noting the uninhabitable conditions in Gaza due to unexploded ordnance and debris. A spokesperson from the U.S. National Security Council stated, “The published Arab plan does not address the current situation; Gaza is uninhabitable, and its residents cannot live with dignity in an area filled with unexploded ordnance and rubble.” They also underscored Trump’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza without Hamas and expressed hope for productive discussions towards peace and stability.

The final statement from the Arab Summit condemned Israel’s actions, which included halting the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and closing necessary crossings. The statement argued that these actions violated ceasefire agreements and international humanitarian law. It rejected Israel’s blockade strategy and reiterated the need for Israel to comply with international resolutions, emphasizing the recognition of Palestinian rights, including self-determination and the right of return for refugees. Arab leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, ensuring security for all nations in the region, including Israel.

In summary, President Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages, while expressing unconditional support for Israel. Hamas has demonstrated its willingness to cooperate with a reconstruction plan backed by Arab nations, although this has been met with skepticism and rejection from both Israel and the U.S. The situation remains complicated, as regional stability hinges on addressing humanitarian concerns and fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com