U.S. President Donald Trump has openly criticized Hamas for stalling ceasefire talks, accusing the group of refusing peace and “wanting to die.”
His comments come at a time when humanitarian concerns and political pressure are mounting on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump stated, “It was too bad, Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die, and it’s very, very bad.”
He added that the group’s decision appears tied to their strategic use of hostages.
“We’re down to the final hostages, and basically because of that they really didn’t want to make a deal,” Trump said.
This statement followed a key move by the United States: stepping away from ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff disclosed that the talks broke down due to what he described as a lack of sincerity from Hamas.
“They were not negotiating in good faith,” Witkoff revealed on Thursday, after the group’s latest response to a peace proposal.
The ongoing war in Gaza has continued to draw heavy criticism from international leaders and humanitarian organizations.
In addition to political tension, severe humanitarian concerns have emerged.
According to the U.N. World Food Programme, about a quarter of Gaza’s population is on the brink of famine, while tens of thousands of women and children face acute malnutrition.
Furthermore, a report issued last month in partnership with the United Nations warned that 96 percent of Gaza’s population is experiencing critical food shortages.
The risk of a widespread famine across the territory remains dangerously high.
In light of this, French President Emmanuel Macron made headlines on Thursday by pledging that France will become the first G7 country to officially recognize a Palestinian state.
However, Trump quickly dismissed Macron’s remarks, saying, “What he says doesn’t matter” and claiming the French leader’s comments “don’t carry any weight.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also voiced deep concern, stating that the crisis in Gaza “has gone beyond the world’s worst fears.”
Despite growing calls from allies, Israel has remained firm in its stance.
Reports suggest the country will permit additional foreign aid drops in the coming days.
While frustrations are aimed at Israel, the official also criticized the United Nations for allegedly focusing on winning a “public relations war.”
“But Israel can’t be indifferent to the situation,” the official emphasized. “We need to get in aid, and we don’t want this situation to get worse.”
