Trump warns Hamas of ‘complete obliteration’ if it refuses to give up power in Gaza
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump warned Hamas of “complete obliteration” if the group refuses to relinquish power in Gaza, as his administration advances a 20-point ceasefire framework.
“Complete Obliteration!” Trump told CNN’s Jake Tapper via text on October 4 when asked what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in control.
When asked about Senator Lindsey Graham’s claim that Hamas had effectively rejected the plan by demanding “no disarmament” and maintaining Gaza under Palestinian control, Trump replied, “We will find out. Only time will tell!”
The president added that he expects clarity “soon” on Hamas’ intentions. When asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the proposal, Trump responded, “Yes on Bibi,” and confirmed Israel’s agreement to the initial withdrawal line outlined in his plan.
Marco Rubio says Gaza peace plan will take time
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that despite ongoing negotiations, the Gaza war is “not yet over.” Speaking on NBC’s 'Meet the Press,' Rubio emphasized that implementing Trump’s ceasefire proposal would require time and coordination.
“You can’t set up a governance structure in Gaza that’s not Hamas in three days,” Rubio said. “There’s some work that remains to be done.”
Rubio confirmed that all parties, including Israel, have agreed that Gaza will eventually be governed by a “Palestinian technocratic group that’s not Hamas,” supported by an international peace consortium.
Marco Rubio urges swift hostage release, new Gaza leadership plan
Marco Rubio said the immediate priorities include coordinating the logistics of hostage releases and forming a transitional Palestinian leadership.
“You have to make sure the Red Cross can get there, what time they’re going to be there, where they’re going to be,” he said. “All that has to be worked through.”
When asked whether hostages could be released as early as this week, Rubio replied, “We want it to be as soon as possible.”
Trump outlines Gaza ceasefire, Israel backs withdrawal plan
Under President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, Gaza would be governed by a temporary technocratic committee with no role for Hamas. The plan also calls for Israel’s phased withdrawal and the release of all hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the proposal, calling it a path toward “a secure and peaceful future.”
Hamas has expressed willingness to send representatives to Cairo for indirect talks starting Monday, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner expected to attend on behalf of Washington.
Trump said that Israel has temporarily halted its bombing campaign in Gaza to facilitate the release of hostages and finalize the ceasefire deal.
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE,” he posted.
