Trump Warns Hamas of “Complete Obliteration” Amid Ceasefire Talks

In a decisive statement, US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening “complete obliteration” if the group continues its dominance over Gaza and obstructs a proposed ceasefire deal. This remark came during a press interaction regarding his 20-point ceasefire plan, as reported by CNN.

Trump’s comments were made following a query about potential consequences should Hamas refuse to relinquish control in Gaza. He texted back emphatically, stating, “Complete Obliteration!” This warning coincides with critical negotiations scheduled to take place on Monday, March 4, 2024, in Egypt, aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Key Negotiations and US Involvement

To facilitate the negotiations, Trump has dispatched his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, along with top West Asia negotiator Steve Witkoff, to Cairo. A delegation from Israel is also present to finalize discussions. When pressed regarding Senator Lindsey Graham‘s assertion that Hamas had already rejected the ceasefire plan by refusing to disarm and demanding full Palestinian control of Gaza, Trump responded, “We will find out. Only time will tell!”

Earlier in the week, Trump announced that Israel had consented to the initial withdrawal line outlined in his ceasefire proposal. This plan encompasses a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, an exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the disarmament of Hamas. Trump expressed that his administration is currently waiting for Hamas’s confirmation, which would lead to an “immediate” ceasefire.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump detailed, “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.”

When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s alignment with the plan, Trump confirmed, “Yes on Bibi.” On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Trump indicated that Israel had temporarily ceased its air strikes on Gaza, calling this a pivotal step towards finalizing the agreement.

Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Concerns

Despite Trump’s efforts, reports indicate that at least 70 Palestinians were killed on the same day due to Israeli air strikes, including seven children aged between two months and eight years. These strikes occurred shortly after Trump urged Israel to “immediately stop bombing” Gaza, following a positive initial response from Hamas to his proposed peace plan.

In a video shared on Truth Social, Trump described Hamas’s response as “a big day” and characterized the developments as “unprecedented.” As negotiations continue and tensions rise, the international community watches closely for developments that could lead to a resolution in the Gaza conflict.