"If they don't accept the ceasefire proposal, we'll support Gaza occupation"…Trump issues 'ultimatum' to Hamas

Agreement with Netanyahu on 'peace plan'

U.S. President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a 'Gaza Strip peace plan.' He then said that if the Palestinian armed group Hamas does not accept it, he would support Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. It is being interpreted as an ultimatum to Hamas.

President Trump said at a press conference after a summit with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on the 29th (local time) that they were "very close to concluding a (Gaza Strip) peace agreement." The Gaza Strip peace plan unveiled by President Trump that day consists of a total of 20 items. The core elements include the release of hostages and detainees, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a Peace Commission after the ceasefire.

According to the peace plan, if Israel and Hamas agree, the war ends immediately. The Israeli military will withdraw to the agreed areas, and the front lines will remain fixed in their current positions until the conditions for a full phased withdrawal are met. If Hamas accepts the ceasefire proposal, it must return all hostages, including the deceased, within 72 hours. In response, Israel will release prisoners serving life sentences and detained residents of the Gaza Strip. Once the hostage returns are completed, Hamas members who promised peace may be pardoned.

The plan also includes post-ceasefire management and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Governance of the Gaza Strip will be entrusted to a temporary transitional government, the Palestinian Commission. The Palestinian Commission, composed of Palestinians and international experts, will be managed and supervised by an international Peace Commission. President Trump will serve as chair of the Peace Commission, and national leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, are expected to join as commissioners. The Peace Commission will establish a framework for Gaza reconstruction and manage the funds.

An International Stabilization Force (ISF) responsible for Gaza's security and border protection will also be established. Territory in the Gaza Strip currently occupied by the Israeli military is planned to be gradually transferred to the ISF.

The Palestinian Authority and countries in the Middle East and Europe welcomed Trump's ceasefire proposal. With growing expectations that tensions in the Middle East could ease, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed down 3.5% in one day.

The variable is whether Hamas will agree to this plan. According to Reuters, Hamas said, "We have not yet received the document," taking a cautious stance. Israel's policy is to continue operations in the Gaza Strip if Hamas rejects the agreement. President Trump also warned that if Hamas rejects the ceasefire proposal, he will fully support Israel to take any measures it deems necessary. Israel is currently conducting operations to occupy the Gaza Strip.

Han Myung-hyun, reporter wise@hankyung.com