President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, the Palestinian group, threatening to “eradicate” them if they did not adhere to the fragile peace agreement with Israel. Trump emphasized the importance of Hamas behaving and abiding by the terms of the deal during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House.
While US envoys were working to strengthen the ceasefire in the region, Trump reiterated his firm stance aboard Air Force One, stating that if Hamas failed to comply, they would face severe consequences. He mentioned that the United States would give the ceasefire a chance to reduce violence but cautioned that any further attacks would result in a swift and forceful response.
Trump clarified that although US troops would not be deployed, other countries involved in the peace plan would take action if necessary. He highlighted Israel’s readiness to intervene if needed but stated that the current focus was on allowing the ceasefire to hold.
The warning from Trump came after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in response to an attack attributed to Hamas, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. The airstrikes led to casualties among Palestinians in Gaza, including children. Israel temporarily halted humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza during the conflict but later resumed enforcement of the ceasefire.
Against the backdrop of Trump’s statements, US envoys engaged in diplomatic efforts, with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the peace plan’s next steps. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were also set to visit Israel as part of ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Emphasizing the significance of the ceasefire, Trump positioned it as a crucial step towards a broader Middle East resolution and reiterated the willingness to use force if the terms of the agreement were violated. He previously indicated that public executions in Gaza would breach the deal, prompting US intervention.
In a similar vein, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned Hamas of severe consequences for any future attacks on Israeli forces, highlighting the delicate balance both sides must maintain to uphold the ceasefire.