President Trump threatens Hamas with “complete obliteration” if it rejects his ceasefire plan as Israel readies for peace implementation.
Trump’s Ultimatum: “Complete Obliteration” for Hamas if Ceasefire Rejected
US President Donald Trump issued his most severe warning yet to Hamas, declaring that the terror group faces “complete obliteration” if it refuses to surrender control of Gaza under his proposed ceasefire framework.
In a text message to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Trump wrote bluntly:
“Complete Obliteration!”
when asked what would happen should Hamas reject his 20-point peace plan.
The exchange came after Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said Hamas had “essentially rejected” the plan by demanding to retain its weapons, keep Palestinian control over Gaza, and tie hostage release to extended talks.
When pressed on whether Graham’s assessment was correct, Trump replied,
“We will find out. Only time will tell!!!”
He confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “on board” with his vision, responding “Yes on Bibi” when asked if the Israeli leader supports ending the Gaza campaign under the deal.
Ceasefire Hinges on Hamas Response
Trump emphasized that clarity on Hamas’s final position is expected soon. He confirmed that Israel has already agreed to the initial withdrawal line outlined in the plan, marking the first stage toward a ceasefire and hostage release.
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added that once Hamas agrees, the process will trigger an immediate exchange of hostages and prisoners, followed by a phased Israeli withdrawal—provided the group disarms and relinquishes control of Gaza.
Calling Friday “a big day”, Trump hailed Hamas’s preliminary response as “unprecedented progress” toward a peace deal unseen in decades.
Rubio: “War Not Over Yet”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that while the plan’s first phase—hostage release—was progressing, “the war in Gaza is not yet over.”
Rubio said Hamas had “basically accepted the framework” of Trump’s plan and confirmed that coordination meetings are already underway. However, he warned that final implementation would require resolving deep disagreements over Gaza’s governance and demilitarization.
“Priority number one,” Rubio said, “is the release of all hostages in exchange for Israel moving back to the designated line. But without disarming Hamas and securing the region, there can be no lasting peace.”
Analysis: Trump’s Decisive Tone Shifts Global Pressure
Trump’s latest ultimatum underscores a decisive shift from diplomacy to deterrence—signaling that Hamas’s last opportunity for survival rests on compliance.
Israeli sources confirm Netanyahu’s full coordination with Trump’s peace framework, which integrates Israeli security control, U.S.-led monitoring, and phased reconstruction under Arab oversight.
As one senior Israeli official put it, “Trump’s message is clear — peace on his terms, or the total destruction of Hamas.”
