Hamas faces “complete obliteration” if the militant group refuses to give up leadership and control of Gaza, US President Donald Trump said amid continued efforts to advance his proposed Gaza peace proposal.
When asked what would happen if the Hamas insisted on staying in power, Trump replied, “Complete Obliteration!” The US president was speaking in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
Citing Senator Lindsey Graham’s assessment that Hamas had essentially rejected Trump’s 20-point peace proposal by insisting on “no disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control and tying hostage release to negotiations,” Tapper pressed the president about Hamas’ response to his Gaza peace proposal.
Tapper asked whether he is wrong.
“We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” Trump said.
The president stated that he anticipates gaining clarity “soon” whether Hamas is truly dedicated to peace.
Responding to whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was onboard with the peace proposal and ending bombing of Gaza, Trump responded, “Yes on Bibi.”
Trump emphasised that he is working hard to make his Gaza peace proposal a reality and said that he is hopeful that it will.
The president announced earlier on Saturday that Israel accepted the initial withdrawal line specified in his proposed ceasefire agreement for Israel and Hamas.
He added that the administration is now awaiting confirmation from Hamas in a social media post.
A truce would be “immediately effective” and a prisoner and hostage swap would start if Hamas consented, Trump said.
“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 in a Truth Social post.
In another post later, he also warned that “MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW” if things don’t “MOVE FAST.”
Additionally, Trump said on Saturday that Israel has temporarily stopped its bombardment on Gaza. He described this as a crucial step in reaching a ceasefire agreement, ensuring the release of hostages, and cautioned Hamas to move quickly.
However, hospital authorities in the enclave told CNN earlier in the day that at least 67 people in Gaza had died due to Israeli bombings.
On Friday, the president said that Hamas has accepted his 20-point ceasefire proposal to put an end to the war. In a video that was uploaded to Truth Social, Trump referred to the events as “unprecedented” and termed it “a big day.”