 "Trump brokered the Gaza deal two weeks ago, but it remains under threat as Israel accuses Hamas of delaying hostage returns and launching attacks. (File image/AP )")
US President Donald Trump Monday warned Hamas that it would be “eradicated” if it breaches the Gaza truce with Israel but the group would be given a chance to honour the agreement. Trump’s remarks came as violence over the weekend threatened the fragile ceasefire he helped broker nearly two weeks ago.
Speaking at the White House alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump said, “We made a deal with Hamas that they’re going to be very good, they’re going to behave, they’re going to be nice. And if they’re not, we’re going to go and eradicate them, if we have to. They’ll be eradicated, and they know that.”
Ceasefire under strain as US officials visit Israel
Vice President JD Vance travelled to Israel shortly after Trump’s comments, joining two senior US envoys as concerns rose that the truce could collapse. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday to discuss regional developments, according to Netanyahu’s office.
The Gaza deal, proposed by Trump’s administration, has faced repeated violations as Israel accuses Hamas of delaying the return of hostages’ remains and continuing attacks. Trump has also warned the group against public executions of rivals and alleged collaborators as it seeks to restore control over the war-torn territory.
The President made clear that American forces would not engage directly against Hamas, noting that dozens of nations had agreed to join an international stabilisation force for Gaza. “In addition, you have Israel would go in in two minutes, if I asked them to go in,” he said. “But right now, we haven’t said that. We’re going to give it a little chance, and hopefully there will be a little less violence.”
Trump described Hamas as weaker than before, citing diminished regional support. “They don’t have the backing of really anybody anymore. They have to be good, and if they’re not good, they’ll be eradicated,” he stated.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsVance and his wife Usha departed Washington later on Monday for Israel. They are expected to arrive in Israel for a multi-day visit and will also meet with the prime minister, Shosh Bedrosian, spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office, said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday, met top US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.