US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning for Hamas to “do what is right” — threatening a “fast, furious and brutal” end for the militant group. The remarks came hours after the Gaza ceasefire stumbled amid a barrage of airstrikes from Israeli forces. Both Hamas and the IDF have accused each other of violating the truce amid efforts to form a long-term peace plan. US Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff are presently in Israel to shore up the ceasefire following a burst of deadly violence.
The US-brokered peace in Gaza had hit snags over the weekend as Israel launched a barrage of airstrikes — killing dozens of people and temporarily blocking aid deliveries. The attack came hours after the US reported that it had “credible information” about Hamas group planning an attack on Gazans. The militant group had vehemently rejected the allegations. both Israel and Hamas have insisted that they are committed to the deal despite the fighting and mutual accusations of violations.
What did Trump say?
“Numerous of our NOW GREAT ALLIES in the Middle East, and areas surrounding the Middle East, have explicitly and strongly, with great enthusiasm, informed me that they would welcome the opportunity, at my request, to go into GAZA with a heavy force and “straighten our Hamas” if Hamas continues to act badly, in violation of their agreement with us. The love and spirit for the Middle East has not been seen like this in a thousand years! It is a beautiful thing to behold!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I told these countries, and Israel, “NOT YET!” There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right. If they do not, an end to Hamas will be FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL! I would like to thank all of those countries that called to help,” he recounted.
‘JD Vance insists ceasefire is holding up from Israel
Meanwhile Vance insisted on Tuesday that the ceasefire was presently in a “very good place” — voicing optimism about long-lasting peace in the region. He acknowledged the recent strikes but tried to downplay any idea that his visit was arranged urgently to keep the truce in place. The US Vice President echoed his boss to reiterate that Hamas would be “obliterated” if it did not cooperate.
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, added that “we are exceeding where we thought we would be at this time.” Vance is expected to stay in the region until Thursday and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. The Americans visited a new centre in Israel for civilian and military cooperation as questions remain over the long-term plan for peace, including when and how an international security force will deploy to Gaza and who will govern the territory after the war.
Netanyahu fires top advisor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday without sharing any reason for the decision. Local media said Hanegbi had opposed the renewal of Israel’s Gaza offensive in March, and Israel’s failed attempt to assassinate Hamas’ leadership in an airstrike in Qatar in September. In a statement, Hanegbi noted “times of disagreement” with Netanyahu.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also sparked buzz about a second “phase” of the recently paused war — insisting that the conflict would “truly end” once Hamas has been disarmed.