US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas of “complete obliteration” should the group decline to relinquish power and control of Gaza, amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding his proposed 20-point ceasefire plan. When questioned via text message on Saturday about consequences of Hamas’ refusal, Trump declared “Complete Obliteration!”

Pressed by CNN’s Tapper on Hamas’ response to the ceasefire proposal, with Senator Lindsey Graham interpreting Hamas’ stance as rejection due to insistence on no disarmament and retaining Gaza control, Trump responded, “We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” Trump expressed expectation of clarity “soon” on Hamas’ genuine peace commitment.

Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alignment with ending Gaza’s bombing campaign and backing Trump’s vision, Trump said “Yes on Bibi”. Asked if Netanyahu was wrong, Trump again replied “We will find out. Only time will tell!!!” Trump indicated anticipation of imminent discernment on Hamas’ peace bona fides.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated his administration awaits Hamas confirmation on the ceasefire. “If Hamas agrees, a ceasefire would be immediately effective and a hostage and prisoner exchange would begin,” Trump wrote, adding Israel had agreed to an initial withdrawal line shared with Hamas. “When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal,” he said, touting movement toward ending a “3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE”.

Trump claimed Israel temporarily halted Gaza airstrikes Saturday, deeming it pivotal toward finalizing ceasefire, hostage release – warning Hamas to act swiftly. Contrastingly, CNN reported at least 67 Gaza deaths from Israeli strikes same day per hospital officials. Trump Friday hailed Hamas’ positive response to his plan as “unprecedented”, calling it “a big day” in a Truth Social video.