President Donald Trump said CNN Hamas was faced with a “complete obliteration” if the group refuses to yield the power and control of Gaza, in the midst of continuous efforts to advance its proposed ceasefire plan.
“Complete implication!” Trump told Jake Tapper from CNN when he asked by SMS by SMS on Saturday what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in power.
Tapper pressed the president on Hamas’ response to his 20-point cease-fire proposal, citing the interpretation of Senator Lindsey Graham according to which Hamas had indeed rejected the plan by emphasizing “no disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control and linking the release of hostages to negotiations”.
“Is he wrong? Asked to hit.
“We will discover it. Only time will tell us !!!” Trump replied.
The president said he expected “soon” clarity on the question of whether Hamas was really attached to peace.
“Yes on Bibi,” said Trump, when he was asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was fully on board to end the bombing campaign in Gaza and support the president’s broader vision.
Trump added that he hopes that his cease-fire proposal will become a reality and stressed that he is working hard to achieve it.
Earlier on Saturday, the president said that Israel had accepted the initial withdrawal line described in his ceasefire plan proposed for Israel and Hamas.
In an article on social networks, he said that the administration is now awaiting confirmation of Hamas.
If Hamas agrees, said Trump, a ceasefire would be “immediately effective” and an exchange of hostages and prisoners would begin.
“After the negotiations, Israel accepted the initial withdrawal line, to which we showed and shared with Hamas. Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also said on Saturday that Israel had temporarily interrupted his air strikes on Gaza, calling a critical step towards the finalization of a cease-fire agreement, guaranteeing the release of hostages and warned Hamas to act quickly.
Earlier the same day, however, CNN reported that at least 67 people in Gaza died due to Israeli strikes, according to hospital officials in the enclave.
The president revealed on Friday that Hamas had responded positively to his 20 -point proposal aimed at ending the conflict. Speaking in a video published on Truth Social, Trump called it “a great day” and described developments as “unprecedented”.
