US President Donald Trump has expressed significant skepticism regarding Hamas’s dedication to achieving lasting peace, issuing a stark warning on October 5: if the Palestinian militant group refuses to relinquish control of Gaza, they face “complete obliteration.” This statement comes as negotiators from Israel and Hamas embark on discussions surrounding a 20-point cease-fire plan proposed by Trump, which includes stipulations for disarmament, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the formation of a transitional governance structure in the region.
In a text message to CNN, Trump was emphatic when asked about the consequences of Hamas maintaining its grip on power, responding with an ominous, “Complete Obliteration!” When pressed about Hamas’s sincerity towards the cease-fire, he stated, “We will find out. Only time will tell!” Trump added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fully supportive of the peace initiative and has tentatively agreed to pause Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign in Gaza to enable the negotiations.
The core aspects of Trump’s Gaza peace plan outline a strategic exchange of all 48 hostages held by Hamas, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region, and the establishment of a transitional government supervised by an international body. In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the advancements in negotiations, stating, “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.”
On October 3, Hamas committed to releasing all Israeli hostages-both alive and deceased-within the framework of Trump’s proposed plan. However, the group has yet to agree to disarmament or to transfer governance of Gaza to an international authority. The proposal also entails the redevelopment of Gaza and potential amnesty for Hamas fighters, with a temporary governing committee led by a “Board of Peace” that would include Trump and several foreign leaders, among them former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
As indirect negotiations are set to commence in Egypt, Israeli representatives will engage with Hamas, accompanied by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. While Trump remains cautiously optimistic about the talks, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Hamas’s intentions with his remark, “We will find out. Only time will tell!”
This complex situation continues to unfold, as the effectiveness of diplomacy under Trump’s proposed plan hinges on both sides’ willingness to engage earnestly in the peace process. The outcomes of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the future stability and governance of Gaza.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/trump-issues-stark-warning-to-hamas-complete-obliteration-if-they-refuse-to-give-up-gaza-11759696037202.html
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Publish Date: 2025-10-06 02:07:00
