U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, vowing to “eradicate” the group if it breaches the ceasefire agreement it signed with Israel.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said the United States expects Hamas to uphold its commitments under the U.S.-brokered Gaza truce. “We made a deal with Hamas — they’re supposed to behave, be nice, and follow the agreement. If they don’t, we’ll eradicate them. They know that,” he said.
The warning comes as Vice President JD Vance headed to the Middle East on Tuesday to reinforce the fragile peace deal amid renewed tensions. The truce, which took effect on October 10, outlines plans for hostage and prisoner exchanges and a roadmap for Gaza’s reconstruction.
However, the implementation has been rocky. Over the weekend, Israel accused Hamas of delaying the release of hostages’ remains, while deadly clashes erupted in parts of Gaza. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Hamas must fully comply with the agreement. “We will not compromise until all the deceased hostages are returned,” his office said in a statement.
Hamas claimed it needs more time and technical help to recover and hand over all the bodies.
Despite the flare-up, both sides said they remain committed to the truce. On Monday, Hamas handed over the body of one hostage, bringing the total to 13 out of 28 promised returns.
Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday following the killing of two Israeli soldiers in the south. Netanyahu said 153 tons of explosives were used in the strikes, which Gaza’s civil defence reported left at least 45 people dead. Hamas denied any ceasefire violations, accusing Israel of using the attacks as a pretext to resume the war.
Under Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, Israeli forces have pulled back to positions beyond the “Yellow Line,” maintaining control of about half of Gaza, including border areas but not major cities.
The Israeli military said it had “renewed enforcement of the ceasefire” but would “respond firmly to any violation.”
Trump clarified that the U.S. would not deploy troops against Hamas, but added, “Israel would go in in two minutes if I asked them to. For now, we’re giving peace a chance.”
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the war — which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel — has killed at least 68,216 people in Gaza, mostly women and children. Israel’s official figures put its death toll at 1,221 from the initial Hamas assault.
Vice President Vance is expected to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss security challenges and diplomatic prospects in the region as Washington seeks to prevent a total collapse of the fragile peace.
