President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, declaring that the militant group will face “complete obliteration” if it refuses to surrender power and control of Gaza.
The president’s warning came during an interview amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end nearly two years of violence in Gaza.
Trump, who recently unveiled a 20-point peace plan, said his proposal includes the immediate release of hostages while Israeli troops temporarily remain in Gaza to ensure stability.
When asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper what would happen if Hamas refused to step down, Trump responded firmly: “Complete Obliteration!”
Tapper pressed further, referencing Senator Lindsey Graham’s interpretation that Hamas had rejected Trump’s ceasefire proposal by refusing to disarm and insisting on “keeping Gaza under Palestinian control.”
In response, Trump remarked, “We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” He added that he expects clarity “soon” on whether Hamas is truly committed to peace.
Moreover, Trump noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed full support for his plan and was ready to scale back military operations once Hamas complies.
The president emphasized that the proposal aims to secure a lasting ceasefire and pave the way for a long-term peace process.
Trump revealed that Israel had already agreed to the first phase of the withdrawal plan.
In a post shared on Truth Social, he wrote, “After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE.”
Furthermore, Trump reiterated his confidence in the plan’s success, stating that he was “working hard to achieve lasting peace in the region.”
On Friday, the president had announced that Hamas was “ready for a lasting PEACE” and directed Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.”
However, the optimism was short-lived. Hours after his announcement, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 20 people, with Gaza’s
Ministry of Health confirming that 66 people were killed and 250 were injured within 24 hours.
