Executive Summary
- President Trump warned Hamas of “complete obliteration” if the group insists on maintaining power in Gaza, amid intensified efforts to advance a ceasefire plan.
- Trump’s administration presented a 20-point ceasefire proposal, which he stated Israel has agreed to, and is awaiting Hamas’ confirmation for an “immediately effective” ceasefire and hostage exchange.
- Despite Trump’s claims of Israel halting airstrikes and Hamas responding positively, Senator Lindsey Graham interpreted Hamas’ response as a rejection, and CNN reported 67 deaths from Israeli strikes on the same day.
The Story So Far
- President Trump’s administration is actively mediating a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, having presented a 20-point proposal that Israel has reportedly agreed to, which includes an initial withdrawal and a hostage/prisoner exchange. The current tension and President Trump’s warning to Hamas stem from the group’s ambiguous response to this plan, particularly their demands for no disarmament and maintaining control of Gaza, which are seen as potential obstacles to the proposed resolution.
Why This Matters
- President Trump’s stark warning to Hamas of “complete obliteration” if it insists on retaining control of Gaza indicates a critical juncture in the conflict, signaling a potential for dramatic escalation or a forced resolution should peace talks fail. This ultimatum, juxtaposed with conflicting reports on Hamas’s acceptance of ceasefire terms and ongoing Israeli strikes despite claims of a halt, highlights the extreme fragility of the diplomatic efforts and the high stakes involved for the future of the region.
Who Thinks What?
- President Donald Trump believes his 20-point ceasefire proposal, which Israel has agreed to regarding an initial withdrawal line, is a viable path to peace, but warns Hamas of “complete obliteration” if the group insists on maintaining power and control over Gaza.
- Senator Lindsey Graham interprets Hamas’s demands for “no disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control and tying hostage release to negotiations” as a rejection of the proposed ceasefire plan.
- Hamas, through its reported demands, seeks to maintain power and control over Gaza, avoid disarmament, and link hostage release to broader negotiations.
President Donald Trump has warned Hamas that it faces “complete obliteration” if the group insists on maintaining power and control over Gaza. The statement, conveyed via text message to CNN on Saturday, October 4, 2025, comes amid intensified efforts by the administration to advance a proposed ceasefire plan for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Ceasefire Proposal and Hamas’ Response
Trump’s declaration follows his administration’s presentation of a 20-point ceasefire proposal, which he stated Israel has agreed to regarding an initial withdrawal line. The president indicated that his administration is now awaiting confirmation from Hamas, which would trigger an “immediately effective” ceasefire and the commencement of a hostage and prisoner exchange.
Senator Lindsey Graham, however, interpreted Hamas’ response as a rejection of the plan, citing demands for “no disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control and tying hostage release to negotiations.” When pressed on this interpretation, Trump responded, “We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” adding that he expects clarity “soon” on Hamas’ commitment to peace.
Israeli Position and Ongoing Conflict
President Trump affirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “fully on board” with ending the bombing campaign in Gaza and supporting his broader vision. Trump also claimed Israel had temporarily halted its airstrikes on Gaza, calling it a critical step toward finalizing a ceasefire agreement and securing hostage releases.
Despite Trump’s assertion of a temporary halt, CNN reported on the same day that hospital officials in Gaza confirmed at least 67 people had died due to Israeli strikes. This reporting highlights the continued intensity of the conflict even as diplomatic efforts progress.
Previous Positive Indications
Just a day earlier, on Friday, Trump had revealed that Hamas responded positively to his 20-point proposal, describing the development in a Truth Social video as “a big day” and “unprecedented.” He expressed hope that his ceasefire proposal would become a reality, emphasizing his dedicated efforts to achieve it and bring an end to what he termed a “3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE.”
