Trump says Israel must “get rid” of Hamas after ceasefire talks collapse
Just weeks after expressing hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a sharp turn, calling on Israel to ramp up its military efforts against Hamas. This shift comes amid stalled peace negotiations and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
From Peace Deal to Push for War
Earlier this month, Trump seemed optimistic that a deal was close—one that would end the fighting, free hostages, and bring life-saving aid into Gaza. But now, he’s pulled U.S. negotiators from the talks, accusing Hamas of not acting “in good faith.”
Speaking before a trip to Scotland, Trump said, “It got to be to a point where you’re gonna have to finish the job.” He blamed Hamas for the breakdown in talks and said they seemed unwilling to negotiate now that fewer hostages remain.
U.S. Backs Off, Israel Pushes Forward
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed they’re exploring “alternative options” for freeing hostages. Instead of urging restraint, Trump appeared to support Israel pressing forward, saying, “They’re gonna have to fight and clean it up.”
The U.S. withdrawal from negotiations stunned mediators in Doha, with one source calling it “an earthquake.” However, officials from Egypt and Qatar downplayed the development, calling such pauses “normal” in complex talks.
Still Hope for Talks?
Despite Trump’s pessimism, Israeli and U.S. officials say the door to negotiations isn’t shut. A senior Israeli official told CNN the talks “have not at all collapsed.” Some believe Trump’s tough talk might be a tactic to pressure Hamas back to the table.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said there are “many tools in President Trump’s tool chest” and hinted that negotiations could still bear fruit, though no clear timeline was given.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
While diplomacy stalls, the crisis in Gaza grows more dire. Malnutrition is widespread, especially among children. Tunisia’s President showed Trump’s envoy disturbing photos of starving kids, calling the situation “a crime against all of humanity.”
Trump, meanwhile, claimed Hamas was blocking aid and defended U.S. efforts. “We gave $60 million for food and supplies,” he said. “We hope the money gets there, but a lot of it gets taken.” However, a U.S. review found no evidence Hamas was stealing aid.
Global Reactions and Rising Tensions
International criticism of Israel is increasing. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel’s recent military actions “indefensible.” French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September—a move that angered Israel and drew sharp criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump, however, brushed off Macron’s move, calling it meaningless: “That statement doesn’t carry weight.”
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