US President Donald Trump told CNN that Hamas will face "total annihilation" if it refuses to relinquish power and control of Gaza, as he tries to push forward with his proposed ceasefire plan.
"Total annihilation!" was Trump's response to CNN journalist Jake Tapper, who asked him in a message on Saturday what would happen if Hamas insisted on staying in power.
Tapper further pushed the discussion by referring to comments by Senator Lindsey Graham, who suggested that Hamas had rejected the 20-point ceasefire plan, insisting on “disarmament, maintaining Palestinian control over Gaza, and linking the release of hostages to negotiations.”
"Is that untrue?" Tapper asked. "We'll see. Only time will tell!" Trump replied.
The president stressed that he expects clarification “soon” on whether Hamas is truly ready for peace. When asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports ending the air campaign in Gaza and his broader vision, Trump replied curtly: “Yes, Bibi.”
He added that he hopes his ceasefire plan will be implemented and stressed his commitment to it. Earlier on Saturday, Trump announced that Israel had accepted the first phase of the withdrawal, as envisaged in his plan for a cessation of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Trump also announced that Israel had temporarily suspended airstrikes in Gaza - a step he described as essential towards finalizing a ceasefire agreement, releasing hostages and warning Hamas to act quickly.
However, earlier in the day, CNN reported that at least 67 people had been killed in Gaza by Israeli bombardment, according to hospital sources in the area. Meanwhile, Trump revealed on Friday that Hamas had responded positively to his 20-point plan to end the conflict. In a video posted on Truth Social, he described the day as “huge” and the developments as “extraordinary.”
