Trump Warns Hamas of ‘Complete Obliteration’ if Ceasefire Deal Fails, Urges Swift Action on Gaza Peace Plan
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President Donald Trump warns Hamas of “complete obliteration” if it refuses to surrender power in Gaza, as his administration pushes for a historic ceasefire plan with Israel.
Trump Issues Stern Warning to Hamas Amid Ceasefire Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Hamas faces “complete obliteration” if the group refuses to relinquish power in Gaza, underscoring the growing pressure on the militant organization amid his administration’s push for a ceasefire deal.
Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper via text message on Saturday, Trump was asked what would happen if Hamas continued to reject his peace proposal. His reply was characteristically blunt: “Complete Obliteration!”
The president’s remarks came as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to finalize a 20-point ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas — a proposal he claims could end years of conflict and pave the way toward lasting peace in the region.
Debate Over Hamas’ Response to the U.S. Proposal
Tapper pressed Trump on Hamas’ reaction to his proposal, referencing comments made by Sen. Lindsey Graham, who suggested that Hamas had effectively dismissed the plan by refusing to disarm, insisting on Palestinian control of Gaza, and linking hostage releases to further negotiations.
“Is he wrong?” Tapper asked.
Trump responded cautiously, signaling that the situation remains fluid.
“We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” he replied, adding that he expects “clarity soon” on whether Hamas is genuinely open to peace.
When asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports his broader ceasefire vision, Trump confirmed: “Yes on Bibi.”
The president said he remains “hopeful” that his ceasefire framework will soon materialize, calling it a top priority for his administration.
Israel Reportedly Agrees to Key Ceasefire Terms
Earlier on Saturday, Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line laid out in his 20-point peace proposal. He revealed that the plan has already been shared with Hamas and that an immediate ceasefire would follow if the group agrees to its conditions.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump 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 — bringing us closer to ending this 3,000-YEAR CATASTROPHE.”
Trump thanked both sides for their “attention to this matter” and urged followers to “stay tuned,” suggesting that further developments could come within days.
According to U.S. officials, the proposed plan includes several phased measures:
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An immediate ceasefire to stop hostilities in Gaza.
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A hostage and prisoner exchange, starting with women, children, and elderly captives.
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A gradual Israeli military withdrawal aligned with verified Hamas compliance.
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An international reconstruction fund to rebuild Gaza under supervision of U.S. and regional partners.
Temporary Halt in Israeli Airstrikes as Tensions Remain High
Trump also said on Saturday that Israel had temporarily paused its airstrikes on Gaza, calling the move a “critical step” toward achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and facilitating the safe release of hostages.
However, CNN reported later the same day that at least 67 people in Gaza had been killed by ongoing Israeli airstrikes, citing local hospital officials. The contrast between the president’s optimistic tone and the grim reality on the ground highlights the fragile nature of the current situation.
Trump emphasized that the pause in air operations was designed to “give diplomacy a chance,” but warned Hamas that time was running out.
“If Hamas delays or plays games, they will face complete obliteration,” he reportedly told aides during internal briefings, reiterating that the U.S. would back Israel’s right to defend itself fully if negotiations collapse.
Inside Trump’s 20-Point Ceasefire Plan
Trump’s ceasefire framework — described by the White House as the most comprehensive peace initiative in years — outlines a sequence of steps aimed at stabilizing the Gaza Strip, restoring humanitarian access, and setting the foundation for political transition.
The key points reportedly include:
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The disarmament of Hamas and other militant factions.
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The establishment of a temporary international security zone.
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An interim administrative council for Gaza composed of Palestinian leaders, regional representatives, and humanitarian organizations.
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A U.S.-led monitoring committee to oversee compliance.
Administration officials say that if both sides agree, the deal could bring “a real and enforceable peace” to Gaza for the first time in nearly two decades.
‘A Big Day’ for Peace Efforts, Says Trump
On Friday, Trump announced that Hamas had given a “positive initial response” to the U.S. proposal. Speaking in a short video posted to Truth Social, he called it “a big day” and described the progress as “unprecedented.”
“This could be the start of something historic,” Trump said. “We are working very hard to bring an end to the suffering, the fighting, and the devastation that has gone on for far too long.”
While details remain limited, senior administration sources said both Qatar and Egypt have been engaged in back-channel talks to persuade Hamas leaders to accept the terms. The White House is also coordinating with Israel’s Defense Ministry and regional allies to finalize verification mechanisms.
Analysts Cautious but Hopeful
Political analysts have expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s latest peace initiative. Some see it as an opportunity for both sides to reset after months of bloodshed, while others doubt Hamas will surrender control of Gaza under U.S.-brokered terms.
“Trump’s warning of ‘complete obliteration’ is meant to pressure Hamas into compliance,” said a Middle East analyst at Georgetown University. “But for this to succeed, both sides need to see real incentives — not just threats.”
Observers note that even if a ceasefire is achieved, implementing long-term political change in Gaza will be far more challenging. The territory remains heavily damaged, with severe humanitarian needs and deep mistrust among civilians toward both local and foreign powers.
A Fragile Path to Peace
For now, Trump’s ceasefire proposal represents the most ambitious attempt yet to end the latest cycle of violence between Israel and Hamas. But as airstrikes continue and skepticism grows, the road to peace appears fragile.
Still, the president insists that the U.S. is “closer than ever” to achieving what he calls “the first real breakthrough in 3,000 years.”