US President Donald Trump has warned that he will “eradicate” Hamas if it violates the ongoing truce with Israel. His remarks came as Vice President JD Vance visited Israel to reinforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The Trump administration is working to sustain the truce it brokered after new clashes erupted over the handover of captive bodies. Hamas has returned 13 of 28 promised remains, while Israel insists on full compliance before restoring peace.
“We made a deal with Hamas… If they’re not good, we’re going to eradicate them,” Trump told reporters.
He clarified that US troops would not join the fight but noted, “Israel would go in in two minutes” if needed.
The ceasefire, in place since October 10, includes prisoner exchanges and plans for Gaza’s post-war administration. However, tensions rose after two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, prompting Israeli airstrikes that left at least 45 civilians dead.
While Hamas denied involvement, accusing Israel of seeking “pretexts” for war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of breaching the truce. Israeli troops have since withdrawn to the “Yellow Line,” controlling Gaza’s borders under Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
Over 68,000 people have died in Gaza since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,221 Israelis, according to UN-verified data.
Vance’s visit aims to strengthen Washington’s commitment to the ceasefire and advance talks on Gaza’s long-term governance amid persistent unrest.
