Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned that Hamas would face total destruction if it violated the Gaza ceasefire with Israel but noted that the group would be given a chance to uphold the terms of the deal.
Speaking at the White House alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump said the agreement required Hamas to act responsibly and peacefully. He added that any breach would prompt severe action, making clear that Washington was prepared to eliminate the group if necessary.
The Gaza truce, brokered by Trump about two weeks earlier, has faced repeated challenges, with Israel accusing Hamas of delaying the return of hostages’ remains and continuing attacks.
Meanwhile, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya told Egypt’s Al-Qahera News that the organisation remained committed to the ceasefire. He acknowledged difficulties in recovering bodies but stressed that Hamas was making sincere efforts and intended to uphold the agreement.
Trump has also urged Hamas to halt public executions and other violent acts against perceived rivals as the group attempts to reassert control over the war-torn enclave, AFP reported.
Trump maintained that U.S. troops would not be sent to confront Hamas, saying that dozens of countries that have agreed to join an international stabilisation force for Gaza would be eager to intervene. He added that Israel would move in almost immediately if asked, but that Washington had not given that order and would "give it a little chance" in the hope of reduced violence.
He described Hamas fighters as violent and unruly, warning that if they continued such behaviour the U.S. would act swiftly and forcefully to restore order. Trump also argued that Hamas is significantly weakened and, following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, no longer enjoys reliable backing from regional supporters such as Iran — meaning the group must comply or face eradication.
The president’s comments came as his special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about regional developments. U.S. officials including Vance and his wife Usha travelled to Israel for meetings with Israeli leaders.
Hamas, which continued to accuse Israel of multiple ceasefire violations, said communication with its remaining units in Rafah had been cut off for months and “we are not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas.”
Since the U.S.-brokered truce took effect on October 10, Israeli forces have reportedly killed nearly 100 Palestinians and injured around 230 in Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has tightened control over humanitarian assistance, keeping the Rafah border crossing closed and informing the United Nations that only 300 aid trucks would be permitted entry — roughly half the amount originally agreed upon in the deal.