US President Donald Trump told CNN that Hamas faces “total annihilation” if it refuses to hand over power and maintain control of Gaza. This statement comes amid ongoing efforts to advance his proposed ceasefire plan.
Trump Warns Hamas of “Total Annihilation”
“Total annihilation!” Trump responded in an email exchange with CNN anchor Jake Tapper when he asked what he thought would happen if Hamas refused to cede power.
Tapper clarified the group’s reaction to Trump’s 20-point ceasefire proposal, citing Senator Lindsey Graham, who claimed that Hamas had effectively rejected the plan, insisting on maintaining control of Gaza, refusing to disarm, and tying the release of hostages to political negotiations.
“Is he wrong?” the journalist asked.
“We’ll find out. Time will tell!” Trump replied.
Ceasefire Plan and Israel’s Agreement
The former president noted that he expects Hamas’s position and its readiness for peace to become clear soon.
Responding to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, Trump confirmed, “Yes, on Bibi,” adding that Netanyahu fully supports the ceasefire and agrees with the proposed initiative.
He emphasized his hope for the agreement’s swift implementation and stated that his administration is doing everything possible to reach an agreement.
Earlier that day, Trump announced that Israel had agreed to the initial withdrawal line envisaged in his ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas. In a post on Truth Social, he clarified that the White House is now awaiting official confirmation from Hamas.
According to Trump, if the group agrees, the ceasefire will take effect immediately, and the parties will begin exchanging hostages and prisoners.
“After negotiations, Israel agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we showed and handed over to Hamas.” “Once they confirm it, the ceasefire will take effect IMMEDIATELY, prisoner and hostage exchanges will begin, and we will move on to the next phase, bringing us closer to ending this 3,000-year-old tragedy. Thank you all for your attention and stay tuned!” Trump wrote.
Hostage Exchange and Next Steps
He also announced that Israel had temporarily suspended airstrikes on Gaza, calling it a key step toward a ceasefire and the release of hostages, and warned Hamas to act quickly.
Meanwhile, according to CNN, at least 67 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that same day, according to local medical officials.
The day before, Trump noted that Hamas had responded “positively” to his 20-point proposal aimed at ending the war. In a video message posted on his platform, Truth Social, he called the day “important” and said it was a “historic moment.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Washington cannot ignore the implications of the Gaza war for Israel’s international standing. He said that despite the United States’ efforts, Israel’s diplomatic isolation is becoming increasingly evident.
