Hamas will be destroyed if it does not abide by the agreement

Israel can be ordered to destroy Hamas by sending it back to Gaza / Screengrab X@WashTimes

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he could order Israeli forces to re-enter Gaza and “finish” Hamas if the group fails to honor the terms of the ceasefire, while saying he is currently trying to keep the truce intact.

Speaking with reporters from the White House and in interviews with international media, Trump repeated that he had reached a deal with Hamas and expects the group to comply. He added that, should the ceasefire collapse, Israel could move back into Gaza “as soon as I say the word,” and that Israeli forces could eliminate Hamas quickly if instructed.

The president also used stark language in public posts and briefings, saying that if Hamas continued to flout the agreement or carry out killings, “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them” — comments that several outlets say he later clarified did not mean deployment of U.S. ground troops. 

Trump’s statements come amid fragile diplomacy aimed at preserving a U.S.-brokered truce that took effect on October 10. Washington has been actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy and high-level contacts to shore up the ceasefire and address outstanding issues such as the return of hostages and humanitarian access.

Critics warn that threats of renewed military action risk undermining fragile arrangements and could prompt a rapid escalation on the ground. U.S. officials say the administration is prioritizing enforcement of the deal’s terms and urgent steps to keep humanitarian corridors open while pressing all parties to meet their commitments