Trump Warns Of 'Complete Obliteration' For Hamas If It Refuses To Cede Gaza, Reportedly Snubs Netanyahu As 'So...Negative'
News Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening “complete obliteration” if the militant group refuses to relinquish control of Gaza. This warning comes amidst Trump's ongoing efforts to advance a ceasefire proposal in Gaza, and reportedly follows a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump delivered the warning during a text message conversation with CNN's Jake Tapper and expressed optimism about the proposed ceasefire, stating that "everyone has pretty much agreed to it." However, reports indicate Hamas is split over the agreement, and Netanyahu faces resistance within his own government. Trump previously unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza at the end of September, which was backed by Netanyahu. Following this, Hamas agreed to release all Israeli prisoners according to the plan's exchange formula, prompting Trump to call for a halt to Israeli military operations. To advance the ceasefire, Trump has sent envoys to Egypt to work out the technical details of a hostage swap.
Background
The Gaza Strip has been embroiled in severe military conflict and a humanitarian crisis since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has historically played a significant role in the Middle East peace process. Following his re-election in 2024, President Trump continues to actively engage in Middle Eastern affairs, seeking diplomatic resolutions to the Gaza conflict. This news builds upon the Trump administration's 20-point peace plan for Gaza, unveiled in late September 2025, which aims to de-escalate regional tensions through hostage exchanges and a ceasefire, and to provide a framework for Gaza's future governance. Prior U.S. administrations have made numerous attempts to broker peace agreements between Israelis and Palestinians, often encountering complex geopolitical hurdles and internal resistance.
In-Depth AI Insights
What deeper shifts in Trump's Middle East diplomatic strategy are indicated by his 'complete obliteration' warning to Hamas and public criticism of Netanyahu's 'negativity,' and what are the potential impacts on regional stability? - The Trump administration may be employing a more coercive "carrot and stick" approach, offering a peace plan (carrot) while explicitly outlining severe consequences (stick) for non-compliance. While aiming to accelerate negotiations, this strategy could also inflame extremist sentiments and escalate conflict. - Publicly criticizing a key ally like Netanyahu for his "negativity" underscores Trump's pragmatic, transactional diplomatic style. It signals that even long-standing allies may face public pressure if their stance is perceived as obstructing a U.S.-led peace process. This could weaken Netanyahu's domestic political standing but might also compel greater flexibility in negotiations. - This aggressive and unconventional diplomatic approach, while potentially yielding short-term progress, could increase long-term regional instability. Investors should monitor the volatility of Middle East geopolitical risks, particularly in energy markets and for multinational corporations operating in the region. Despite Trump's assertion that the deal is 'pretty much agreed to,' what structural risks do Hamas's internal divisions and resistance within Netanyahu's government pose to the ultimate success of this peace plan? - Internal splits within Hamas indicate deep disagreements among its leadership regarding the terms of accepting a peace plan, which could make full implementation difficult even if an agreement is reached. Investors should be wary of risks where the agreement is partially accepted or actively resisted by internal factions, leading to unstable ceasefires and cyclical flare-ups of conflict. - Resistance within Netanyahu's government likely stems from pressure from his right-wing coalition, who may oppose any deal perceived as concessions to Hamas. This political deadlock could prevent the agreement from gaining sufficient support within Israel, thereby stalling the peace process. - Such internal resistance highlights the fragility of peace agreements, which, even with strong external pressure, struggle to overcome deep-seated political and ideological divisions. For businesses investing in or relying on stable global supply chains through the Middle East, this implies continued political risk and an uncertainty premium. If Trump's peace plan ultimately succeeds in brokering a Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap, what would be the implications for the broader regional economy and investment sentiment? - A successful ceasefire and hostage exchange would significantly reduce the immediate risk of regional conflict, likely boosting market confidence across the Middle East and potentially attracting increased international investment. There would be substantial demand for infrastructure and humanitarian aid in Gaza's reconstruction, presenting opportunities for relevant construction, engineering, and supply companies. - Energy markets could see short-term volatility. If the conflict de-escalates, oil prices might face downward pressure due to a reduction in geopolitical risk premium. However, if the peace process leads to broader regional stability, it could foster long-term investment and economic growth, thereby supporting energy demand in the medium term. - Increased regional stability would also benefit tourism and logistics sectors, particularly for neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. However, investors should remain cautious, as long-term peace in the Middle East faces numerous challenges, and any progress may be accompanied by reversals and setbacks.