Trump warns Hamas faces 'complete obliteration' if it rejects US peace plan
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Hamas faces "complete obliteration" if it rejects the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, reports CNN.
"Complete obliteration!" Trump said in response to a question from CNN’s Jake Tapper about Hamas' future if it refuses to hand over power and control of Gaza.
Tapper's question came amid Hamas' reaction to the US president's 20-point ceasefire proposal.
He referred to Senator Lindsey Graham's interpretation that Hamas had effectively rejected the plan, insisting on keeping Gaza under Palestinian control, refusing to disarm, and linking the release of hostages to negotiations.
When asked whether Trump might be mistaken, the president replied, "We will find out. Only time will tell!!!"
Trump added that he expects to have clarity "soon" on whether Hamas truly wants peace. He expressed hope that his ceasefire initiative would become a reality and noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports halting the bombings in Gaza.
Trump's peace plan
On September 29, the US President unveiled a 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza. Under it, Israel would gradually withdraw its troops while Hamas releases hostages, paving the way for a new round of talks.
On Saturday, October 4, at Trump's request, the Israeli army paused its offensive in Gaza.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Trump had given Hamas a final chance to accept the American peace plan, setting a deadline for 6:00 PM Sunday, October 5, Washington time.
The US President urged Palestinians to leave active combat zones and move to safer areas of the Gaza Strip. He also pledged humanitarian aid to those who comply.
For more details on Trump's peace initiative and prospects for ending the war in the Gaza Strip, read RBC-Ukraine's report: "Trump's plan for Gaza: Can it end Israel-Hamas war?"
