U.S. President Donald Trump told CNN that Hamas faces “total annihilation” if the group refuses to relinquish power and control over Gaza, amid ongoing efforts to advance his proposed 20-point ceasefire plan.
“Total annihilation!” Trump told CNN anchor Jake Tapper in a message on Saturday when asked what would happen if Hamas insisted on staying in power.
Tapper pressed the president on Hamas’s response to the peace proposal, citing Senator Lindsey Graham’s interpretation that Hamas effectively rejected the plan by insisting on “no disarmament, continued Palestinian control over Gaza, and linking the release of hostages to political negotiations.”
“Is that wrong?” Tapper asked.
“We’ll find out. Only time will tell!!!” Trump replied.
The president said he expects clarification “soon” on whether Hamas is genuinely committed to peace. When asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fully supports ending the bombing campaign in Gaza and backing Trump’s broader vision, Trump answered, “Yes, Bibi.”
Trump added that he hopes his ceasefire proposal will become reality and emphasized that his administration is “working very hard” to make it happen. Earlier on Saturday, he stated that Israel had agreed to an initial withdrawal line outlined in his ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas.
Trump also announced that Israel temporarily halted airstrikes in Gaza, calling it a “critical step” toward finalizing a ceasefire agreement, ensuring the release of hostages, and warning Hamas to act quickly.
However, earlier that same day, CNN reported that at least 67 people were killed in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes, according to hospital officials in the enclave.
Trump revealed Friday that Hamas had responded positively to his 20-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict. In a video posted to Truth Social, Trump hailed the development as “a great day,” calling the progress “unprecedented.”
