Washington, October 6 — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Sunday, stating the group faces “complete obliteration” if it insists on retaining power and control over Gaza, as negotiations advance on his proposed ceasefire plan to end the two-year conflict. The warning came via text message to CNN’s Jake Tapper amid reports of progress, with delegations from Israel, Hamas and the U.S. heading to Egypt for talks, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Trump’s response—”Complete Obliteration!”—followed a question on what would happen if Hamas rejects ceding authority, as reported by CNN. He expressed optimism that the deal, outlined in a 20-point framework, would proceed, noting Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line and temporarily halted bombing to facilitate hostage releases. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “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.”
The plan calls for an immediate halt to fighting, the release of 20 living Israeli hostages and remains of others within 72 hours in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, followed by phased Israeli withdrawals. A temporary governing board, chaired by Trump and including figures like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, would oversee Gaza’s postwar transition, with no forced displacements. Hamas has agreed “in principle” to the framework and hostage release logistics, per U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an NBC interview, though it demands deeper initial withdrawals, release of terror chiefs and life-term prisoners, and a role for the Palestinian Authority in governance.
Rubio described the second phase—Hamas’s disarmament and demobilization—as “not going to be easy,” emphasizing international pressure from Muslim countries and the European Union. Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said, “We don’t need flexibility, because everyone has pretty much agreed to it,” and confirmed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s support for ending the bombing campaign. Reports of an acrimonious call between the two leaders surfaced, with Trump allegedly telling Netanyahu to “stop being so fucking negative,” though Israeli sources downplayed the rift, as per The Times of Israel.
The ultimatum follows Hamas’s partial acceptance of the plan, which includes amnesty for fighters but no future governance role for the group. Negotiations in Cairo, set for this week, aim to bridge gaps on core elements like disarmament and a “day-after” structure. Trump set a Sunday deadline for full commitment, warning “all bets will be off” otherwise.
The recent conflict, ignited by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 250 hostages, has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly civilians, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry’s latest figures. President Donald Trump’s renewed engagement in Middle East diplomacy, highlighted by “very positive” discussions with Arab and Muslim nations, marks his return to the region’s peace efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the potential hostage release as an “enormous achievement,” with ongoing talks focusing on reshaping Gaza’s future governance and stability.
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