The “ultimatum effect” was on full display this weekend, as Donald Trump’s hardline stance successfully broke the diplomatic deadlock in Gaza. Hamas announced on Saturday its acceptance of a U.S.-led peace proposal after Trump issued a non-negotiable Sunday deadline, backed by a threat of “all hell.”
This high-stakes approach compelled Hamas to agree to the central terms of the deal, including the release of all Israeli hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. The group’s statement confirmed it was ready for immediate, mediated talks, a breakthrough that had eluded negotiators for months.
A key result of this pressure is Hamas’s agreement to a new political arrangement for Gaza. The group has consented to hand over administrative power to an independent, technocratic body, a critical step toward disarming the group and establishing a stable, post-conflict government with international legitimacy.
The acceptance, however, was strategically nuanced. Hamas agreed to the immediate terms to end the crisis but reserved judgment on the final political settlement, stating these issues require a unified Palestinian position. This allowed them to meet the ultimatum while preserving their long-term objectives.
Trump immediately claimed victory for his method, declaring Hamas “ready for a lasting PEACE” and ordering Israel to halt its bombing. The episode serves as a powerful case study in how a direct, high-pressure ultimatum can shatter a long-standing stalemate and force a resolution.