US President Donald Trump has fired a strong warning shot at Hamas, stating that it will be "completely obliterated" if it does not surrender power and control of Gaza.
Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Trump stated that he hopes to soon know if Hamas is committed to peace. Asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is supportive of the US peace plan and cessation of bombings in Gaza, Trump responded, "Yes on Bibi."
A day before, Trump had warned Hamas to quickly work towards signing a peace agreement with Israel or else to suffer terrible fate, saying, "all bets will be off."
In a Truth Social post, Trump thanked Israel for temporarily suspending its bombing to allow the peace talks to proceed. He made sure to signal that he would not accept any unnecessary delays in pursuing his efforts to bring an end to the long-term truce between Israel and Hamas.
"I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed. Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off," Trump said.
Repeating his message, Trump also said, “I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!”
Trump had allegedly threatened Hamas with a Sunday deadline to approve the peace offer or "all hell." After Hamas replied, he posted on Truth Social, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.” He also urged Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”
Based on reports, the US peace plan calls for a prompt ceasefire and the release of 20 living Israeli captives, as well as the bodies of others, within 72 hours in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Once in effect, full humanitarian aid would pour into Gaza.
Of the about 48 remaining hostages held by Hamas, 20 are reportedly alive. The plan further states Hamas would not have a governing role in Gaza and reserves the option of a Palestinian state in the future.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled it out, restating his opposition. It’s not written in the agreement. We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state,” Netanyahu stated.
Hamas, however, released a statement on Friday that negotiations were ongoing on issues of the proposal pertaining to Gaza's administration and Palestinian rights, which it stated would be determined "within a national framework" in which Hamas will participate.
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