Trump Issues Stark Warning to Hamas: ‘Eradication’ Awaits if Gaza Truce Fails-US Forces Stay on Sidelines
US President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing conflict involving Hamas and Israel on Monday, October 20, during a press conference at the White House with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump emphasized that, while he hopes for compliance with a truce deal brokered by the U.S., he is prepared to take a strong stance if Hamas fails to honor its commitments. “We made a deal with Hamas that they’re going to behave, and if they’re not, we’re going to eradicate them, if we have to,” he stated, underscoring the severity of his warning.
While Trump highlighted that American forces will not be directly involved against Hamas, he mentioned the support of various nations willing to join an international stabilization force in Gaza. “You have Israel ready to act swiftly if needed,” he said. The President expressed his desire to give the situation some time to de-escalate, hoping for a reduction in violence despite acknowledging the ongoing hostilities.
Trump’s comments come amid concerns regarding a fragile ceasefire that his administration helped facilitate nearly two weeks ago. His top envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address escalating tensions that threaten to unravel this agreement. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Israel on Tuesday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
On the ground, Israel has ramped up enforcement of the ceasefire after recent violence, which included an ambush in southern Gaza that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military launched strikes targeting Hamas weapons-storage facilities and dismantling parts of an extensive network of tunnels. Despite the resumption of some humanitarian aid, the critical Rafah border crossing remains closed.
Under the framework of Trump’s plan, Hamas is expected to disarm and shift governance to a foreign-supervised Palestinian administration. The process began with the release of hostages, but progress has been slow, with Israel accusing Hamas of delaying the return of more than a dozen captives. While only the remains of 12 deceased individuals have been returned, expectations are high for further compliance.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israeli troops having redeployed along a designated “yellow line,” securing significant portions of the territory and allowing some Palestinian civilians to return to safer zones. However, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli airstrikes over the weekend resulted in 44 fatalities across the Gaza Strip. Amid the clashes, Palestinians also initiated anti-armor attacks on Israeli forces, leading to additional injuries among soldiers.
As this situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a sustainable resolution to a conflict that has persisted for decades. The path forward will depend heavily on the adherence of all parties to the agreements established, as well as the effectiveness of ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/trump-warns-hamas-of-eradication-if-gaza-truce-fails-says-us-forces-will-not-be-directly-involved-11760982315163.html
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Publish Date: 2025-10-20 23:25:00
