Trump warns of ‘complete obliteration’ if Hamas stays in power in Gaza

Login to Continue Learning

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump warned that “complete obliteration” would occur if Hamas insists on remaining in control of Gaza, as negotiations to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group are set to begin this week.

On October 3, Hamas announced it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages under terms of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The group is expected to enter mediated negotiations in Egypt to discuss details.

According to the proposal, Gaza would undergo redevelopment with Palestinians who wish to remain having that option. Hamas fighters would receive amnesty, and temporary governance by a new Palestinian committee would be overseen by a “Board of Peace.” Trump would personally chair this panel alongside other foreign leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

However, Hamas’ response did not include an agreement to have no role in Gaza’s governance. In response to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Trump wrote via text message that “Complete Obliteration!” would occur if Hamas insisted on staying in power.

In a unique start to his ruling against President Donald Trump’s administration on September 30, U.S. District Court Judge William Young included a scanned handwritten note sent to his office. The note read: “Trump has pardons and tanks – what do you have?” At the top of Young’s opinion in AAUP v. Rubio, which ruled that Trump’s effort to deport foreign-born student protesters was unconstitutional.

October 8, 2025

Hamas’ response quickly raised eyebrows among some American lawmakers. Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham wrote on X that Hamas’ response to Trump’s plan is “unpredictable” and a “classic ‘Yes, but.’” He stated that no disarmament was committed to, Gaza would remain under Palestinian control, and hostage release was tied to negotiations.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attended a press conference at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes on September 13, 2024 (Reuters).

Trump also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was supportive of ending the bombing campaign in Gaza and implementing his peace proposal. He stated he would soon know whether Hamas is truly committed to peace.

Israel began attacking Gaza after a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israeli forces have killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, as reported by Gaza health authorities.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers, Kim Hjelmgaard, Joey Garrison, Kathryn Palmer; Reuters