Trump Warns Hamas: "Could Be Put Out In 2 Minutes" If Ceasefire Violated

Both Israel and Hamas have reconfirmed their dedication to the ceasefire mediated by the United States.

Washington:

During a Diwali celebration at the White House on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump characterized Hamas as "violent people" and declared they "could be put out in two minutes," while emphasizing that the group was being given an opportunity to maintain the ceasefire agreement.

Trump highlighted his broader peace initiatives, stating, "We are forging peace all over the world... We're getting everybody to get along. I just got a call from the Middle East. We're doing very well there. We have many countries signed on to peace in the Middle East, and nobody thought they'd ever see that happening."

Addressing the Hamas situation specifically, Trump reiterated the group's violent nature and America's approach: "The Hamas situation, they're pretty violent people. We could put that out in two minutes. We're giving them a chance. They agreed that they'd be very good and straight. They wouldn't be killing people."

He stressed that immediate action would follow any ceasefire violations: "If they don't honour the deal, they'll be taken care of very quickly. It is total peace in the Middle East; we have levels of friendship with everybody. Every country that hated each other now loves each other. Nobody ever saw anything like it..."

This strong position echoed his October 21 warning when Trump cautioned Hamas against breaching the Gaza peace plan. He expressed hope for responsible conduct from the group while adding that "if they do not, an end to Hamas will be fast, furious and brutal." The President shared this statement on his Truth Social platform, highlighting support from US regional allies.

In his social media post, Trump wrote, "Numerous of our NOW GREAT ALLIES in the Middle East, and areas surrounding the Middle East, have explicitly and strongly, with great enthusiasm, informed me that they would welcome the opportunity, at my request, to go into GAZA with a heavy force and 'straighten our Hamas' if Hamas continues to act badly, in violation of their agreement with us. The love and spirit for the Middle East has not been seen like this in a thousand years! It is a beautiful thing to behold! I told these countries, and Israel, 'NOT YET!' There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right."

He continued, "If they do not, an end to Hamas will be FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL! I would like to thank all of those countries that called to help. Also, I would like to thank the great and powerful country of Indonesia, and its wonderful leader, for all of the help they have shown and given to the Middle East, and to the U.S.A. TO EVERYONE, thank you for your attention to this matter."

Meanwhile, despite weekend clashes, both Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to the US-mediated ceasefire. On Monday, Israel confirmed Hamas had transferred one hostage's body, bringing the total number of returned bodies to 13 out of the promised 28.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office emphasized that Hamas must fulfill its pledge to return all hostage remains for complete implementation of the ceasefire agreement.