President Donald Trump has declared that Hamas faces “complete obliteration” if the group refuses to cede power and control of Gaza. The warning comes amid ongoing efforts to advance his proposed ceasefire plan. “Complete Obliteration!” Trump said when asked via text message on Saturday what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in power.
When pressed on Senator Lindsey Graham’s interpretation that Hamas had effectively rejected the plan by insisting on “no disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control and tying hostage release to negotiations,” Trump responded, “We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” The president said he expects clarity “soon” on whether Hamas is genuinely committed to peace.
Trump affirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fully on board with ending the bombing campaign and supporting the broader vision. “Yes on Bibi,” Trump said. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined the next steps, stating the administration is now waiting for confirmation from Hamas. “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!” Trump wrote.
The president also said Saturday that Israel had temporarily halted its airstrikes on Gaza, calling it a critical step toward finalizing an agreement and securing the release of hostages. He warned Hamas to act swiftly. This statement, however, contrasted with a CNN report from the same day that said at least 67 people in Gaza had died due to Israeli strikes, according to hospital officials.
On Friday, Trump had revealed that Hamas responded positively to his 20-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict. In a video posted to Truth Social, Trump called it “a big day,” and described the developments as “unprecedented.”
