Trump says Hamas will be ‘eradicated’ if group breaches Gaza ceasefire deal

US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas on Monday, stating that the group would face eradication if it violates the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel. However, Trump emphasized that American forces would not be directly involved in any confrontation with Hamas. Instead, he suggested that international stabilization forces, supported by dozens of countries, would take action if necessary. Trump’s comments came during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House, where he expressed cautious optimism about the truce. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Israel shortly after Trump’s remarks, joining top US envoys to address escalating tensions that threaten the fragile ceasefire. Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the agreement, citing challenges in recovering hostages’ bodies but pledging to uphold the deal. Trump also criticized Hamas for public executions and violent actions, warning that continued aggression would prompt swift and forceful intervention. He noted that Hamas’s regional support, particularly from Iran, has significantly diminished following recent US and Israeli strikes. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss regional developments, while Vance and his wife Usha departed for Israel without addressing the media.