Trump warns Hamas of eradication if it breaches Gaza ceasefire

US President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the United States would move to "eradicate" Hamas if the Palestinian group violates the terms of the current Gaza ceasefire. The warning was delivered from the White House and underscores the high-stakes nature of the truce, which was brokered through a US-backed initiative and includes the group's disarmament.

A Direct Ultimatum

Speaking to reporters, Trump outlined the agreement's conditions in blunt terms. "We made a deal with Hamas that they’re going to be very good, they’re going to behave, they’re going to be nice — and if they’re not, we’re going to go and we’re going to eradicate them, if we have to," he stated. The President asserted that Hamas is already "in violation of the agreement" and warned that any failure to comply would be "taken care of very quickly."

Ongoing Prisoner and Remains Exchange

The ceasefire, which began on October 10, has already facilitated a significant exchange. Hamas has released 20 living Israeli hostages and handed over the remains of 13 others. In a recent development, the group announced it would transfer the body of another captive recovered from rubble. In return, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been freed from Israeli detention.

A Fragile Truce

The Trump administration is employing a combination of diplomacy and forceful rhetoric to maintain the fragile calm in Gaza. The President noted that the US and its international partners are taking "a lot of steps" to preserve the ceasefire, but he emphasized that its ultimate success now rests "in the hands of others," placing the onus squarely on Hamas to uphold its commitments.