Trump warns Hamas of ‘complete obliteration’ if ceasefire rejected

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir cautioned troops in Gaza that combat could resume at any moment.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump cautioned Hamas that the terror group will face “complete obliteration” if it refuses to surrender control of Gaza, as efforts continue to advance his proposed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

In a message to CNN’s Jake Tapper on Saturday, Trump was asked what would happen if Hamas remained defiant.

“Complete obliteration!” he replied. Pressed further on whether Senator Lindsey Graham was correct in saying Hamas had already rejected the proposal by refusing to disarm or give up political control, Trump answered, “We will find out. Only time will tell.”

Trump confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the proposal and is prepared to halt the ongoing military operation in Gaza if the plan moves forward.

“Yes on Bibi,” the president responded when asked if Netanyahu was on board.

According to Trump, Israel has accepted the initial withdrawal line laid out in his 20-point proposal. In a social media post, he stated that the ceasefire could go into effect immediately if Hamas agrees, at which point a hostage and prisoner exchange would begin.

“When Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective,” he wrote, adding that the withdrawal would move forward in stages.

On the ground, the Israeli military has temporarily paused offensive operations, citing the ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic push.

However, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir cautioned troops in Gaza that combat could resume at any moment. “There is no ceasefire, but there is a change in the operational situation,” Zamir told commanders during a tour of the Netzarim Corridor.

“If the political effort does not succeed, we will return to fight.”

Zamir emphasized that the conflict is not over and ordered forces to remain fully prepared for renewed engagement. “We must continue to be alert and prepared for combat at all times,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking to Euronews, said there is a possibility Hamas may agree to release hostages, though he remained cautious.

Should the group reject the deal, Netanyahu stated, “President Trump has said he will back Israel completely in acting forcefully against Hamas.”

The prime minister reiterated that once hostages are released, further negotiations will address Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s demilitarization.

He also criticized recent European recognition of Palestinian statehood, accusing European governments of capitulating to radical Islamist pressure. “Europe has essentially become irrelevant,” he said.