US President Donald Trump reasserted on Saturday afternoon that Hamas must release the hostages within the 72-hour deadline outlined in his 20-point plan "or else."
Writing on Truth Social that he appreciated Israel's temporary suspension of bombing "in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed," he asserted that "Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.
"I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!"
The terrorist organization said in a statement on Friday that it would release all hostages, living and dead, "according to the exchange formula outlined in President Trump’s proposal, provided that field conditions necessary for the exchange are secured." However, Hamas officials later told international media that it would likely take longer than the 72 hours outlined in the US proposal to release them.
The acceptance came hours after Trump issued an ultimatum to the terror group, insisting Hamas had until Sunday to accept the deal or face "all HELL like no one has ever seen before."
Pressure on Hamas to accept the deal also came as Trump's 20-point plan gained backing from the heads of Islamic nations, including some of Hamas's allies.
Did Hamas really accept the deal?
Hamas senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that it would take longer than 72 hours to release the living hostages and the bodies of those killed, claiming that such a deadline was unrealistic under the current circumstances.
While Trump's press secretary initially described Hamas's response as "acceptance," many claimed that Hamas was dragging its feet on the deal and looking to exploit the situation.
Senator Lindsey Graham lamented that, "Hamas’ recent response to President Trump’s plan to end the war — which Israel had accepted — is unfortunately predictable. A classic 'Yes, but.'
"No disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control, and tying hostage release to negotiations, along with other problems.
"This is, in essence, a rejection by Hamas of President Trump’s 'take it or leave it' proposal."
Arab officials involved in mediation attempts told the Wall Street Journal on Friday that Hamas was divided on whether to accept the deal, and there was concern about whether the terror group could deliver on its promises.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas's Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, reportedly told mediators that he would be open to compromise and is willing to give rockets and offensive weaponry to Egypt and the UN. However, he allegedly sought for Hamas to retain some arms, like assault rifles, arguing that these weapons are defensive.
Complicating the situation further, Hamas commanders are reportedly unsure they would be able to enforce the disarmament as the terrorists they oversee will likely be unwilling to hand over their weapons, according to the mediators.
The resistance to the Trump proposal seems a far cry from the initial response Hamas gave on Friday, though Israeli and Arab experts reportedly suspect that Hamas only gave such a response to buy themselves time.
While the terror group has successfully recruited waves of new fighters after its terrorists were killed during the war, many remain untrained, and Israeli operations have prevented communication and cooperation for new attacks.
“This is why these negotiations are starting to become real. Maybe it’s the first time throughout the war that Hamas is starting to understand that they will be eradicated,” said Amir Avivi, a former senior Israeli defense official.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.