Netanyahu's Ultimatum: Hamas Must Disarm as Gaza Hostage Release Talks Advance Under Trump's Peace Plan

Trump issued a clear warning to Hamas to "move quickly" and accept a peace deal, while simultaneously instructing Israel to "stop bombing" Gaza operations.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a resolute declaration to "disarm" Hamas through either "the easy or the hard way," just one day after the Palestinian group indicated acceptance of portions of US President Trump's Gaza peace proposal, including the release of all hostages. Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas's demilitarization would proceed either through Trump's diplomatic framework or through Israeli military intervention.

Netanyahu further indicated that a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—a longstanding Hamas demand—would not be forthcoming.

"Israel's military will maintain control of territories it currently holds in Gaza, and Hamas will be disarmed during the plan's second phase, either diplomatically through Trump's initiative or militarily by our forces. As you heard from Trump, he won't tolerate additional delays. In phase two, Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza completely demilitarized. This outcome is inevitable—either through diplomatic channels via Trump's plan or through our military action. It will happen either the easy way or the hard way," Netanyahu stated in a Hebrew video message.

The Israeli Prime Minister expressed optimism about announcing the release of all Gaza hostages "in the coming days," as both parties prepare for negotiations scheduled in Egypt on Monday.

"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, we stand at the threshold of a significant achievement. Though not yet finalized, we are working diligently, and I hope that within days, during the Sukkot holiday, I will announce the return of all our hostages, both living and deceased. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains positions deep within Gaza Strip and in strategic control areas," he declared.

Hamas on Friday evening accepted certain elements of Trump's Gaza peace framework, including war termination, Israeli withdrawal, the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, and opposition to Palestinian displacement from the territory. This followed the Republican leader's ultimatum requiring Hamas to accept his peace proposal by Sunday at 6 pm (US time) or face "all hell."

Trump subsequently warned Hamas to "move quickly" toward a peace agreement with Israel or "risk further devastation" in Gaza. He also cautioned Israel against continuing bombardment of Gaza. Despite Trump's warning, Israel conducted strikes on Gaza hours later, resulting in six fatalities. Reports indicate one strike killed four people in a Gaza City residence, while another claimed two lives in Khan Younis, according to Reuters.

Earlier today, the US President announced that Israel had agreed to the initial withdrawal boundaries, which, upon Hamas's confirmation, would trigger an immediate ceasefire.

"Following negotiations, Israel has accepted the initial withdrawal line, which we have presented to Hamas. Once Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will take IMMEDIATE effect, followed by Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges, establishing conditions for the next withdrawal phase, bringing us closer to resolving this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!" Trump stated.