Trump has threatened to ‘eradicate’ Hamas if ceasefire is violated as VP JD Vance visits Israel to reinforce Gaza truce.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that his administration will “eradicate” Hamas if the group violates its ceasefire agreement with Israel, even as Vice President JD Vance visits the Middle East to reinforce the fragile peace deal.
The Trump administration, which brokered the truce earlier this month, is intensifying efforts to maintain stability in Gaza following renewed violence and reports that Hamas delayed the handover of hostages’ remains.
“We made a deal with Hamas — they’re going to behave, they’re going to be nice,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. “If they’re not, we’re going to eradicate them. They’ll be eradicated, and they know that.”
Despite weekend clashes that left dozens dead, both Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-backed ceasefire. Israel confirmed on Monday that Hamas handed over one more hostage’s body, bringing the total to 13 of the 28 promised under the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Hamas must fully comply before further progress can be made.
“We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the deceased hostages,” his office stated.
Hamas, however, claimed it needs additional time and technical support to locate and recover the remaining bodies.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Tuesday to discuss “security challenges and diplomatic opportunities,” according to Israeli officials.
Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure
The ceasefire, which began October 10, outlines a roadmap for hostage and prisoner exchanges and a longer-term peace framework for Gaza. Yet, the deal has been plagued by violations on both sides.
On Sunday, Israel conducted dozens of airstrikes across Gaza, deploying over 153 tons of explosives, after two Israeli soldiers were killed in the south. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported at least 45 deaths, while four more people were killed Monday by Israeli gunfire in Gaza City.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of “a blatant violation” of the truce an allegation the group denied.
Trump emphasized that U.S. troops will not intervene directly, but noted that Israel could act swiftly if ordered.
“Israel would go in in two minutes if I asked them to,” Trump said. “But for now, we’re giving it a little chance.”
Under Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, Israeli forces have repositioned beyond the “Yellow Line,” maintaining control of roughly half of Gaza including border areas but not its major cities.
The Israeli military stated that it has “renewed enforcement of the ceasefire” following retaliatory strikes but will respond “firmly to any violation.” Hamas, for its part, accused Israel of manufacturing excuses to reignite hostilities.
Humanitarian Toll
The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reports at least 68,216 deaths since the war began in October 2023, with more than half of the victims being women and children. The United Nations has deemed these figures credible.
Hamas’s initial attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,221 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official data compiled by AFP.
As tensions simmer, observers warn that the ceasefire’s survival depends on transparency, restraint, and sustained U.S. diplomatic engagement in the volatile region.