Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump issued a grave warning to Hamas on Thursday, declaring that if the bloodshed within Gaza continues, “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them.” The statement marks one of Trump’s most severe threats since the ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal between Israel and Hamas was implemented last week, following nearly two years of brutal warfare.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump condemned the renewed internal violence in Gaza, describing it as “unacceptable chaos” that risks undermining the fragile truce. “If Hamas keeps spilling blood in Gaza, we will have no choice but to act,” Trump warned. However, he later clarified that U.S. troops would not directly enter Gaza.
“It’s not going to be us,” the president added. “We won’t have to. There are people very close, very nearby that will go in and do the trick very easily but under our auspices.” Although Trump did not explicitly name Israel, his comment suggested that Washington could authorize regional partners to take military action if Hamas fails to restore order.
Such involvement, however, could complicate the already delicate ceasefire terms agreed upon between Israel and Hamas, potentially reigniting broader regional tensions.
Trump’s tone marks a sharp departure from earlier this week, when he appeared to downplay the internal violence among rival factions in Gaza. On Tuesday, he remarked that Hamas had eliminated “a couple of gangs that were very bad,” adding, “that didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you.”
The president’s shift from dismissiveness to direct confrontation signals growing impatience within Washington as the ceasefire faces multiple violations. The White House has yet to issue an official clarification of Trump’s remarks posted on his Truth Social platform, though senior aides acknowledged the administration’s mounting frustration over the situation in Gaza.
Trump further insisted that Hamas must disarm and end the infighting immediately. “They will disarm, and if they don’t do so, we will disarm them and it’ll happen quickly, and perhaps violently,” he said.
Since Hamas seized control of Gaza 18 years ago, its police forces maintained a tight grip on security while suppressing internal dissent. But that authority has eroded in recent months as Israeli airstrikes decimated Hamas’ command structure and militants lost control of several urban areas.
Powerful clans and armed groups including anti-Hamas factions reportedly backed by Israel have since filled the power vacuum. Many of these groups have been accused of looting humanitarian aid and reselling it, worsening Gaza’s starvation crisis.
The ceasefire, proposed by the Trump administration, required Hamas to return all hostages alive or deceased by Monday’s deadline. If unable to comply, the group was to provide detailed information about those who had died in captivity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday reaffirmed that Israel “will not compromise” on the deal’s conditions and demanded Hamas fully cooperate in returning the bodies of the hostages.
Hamas’ military wing, in a statement, claimed it had abided by the terms and handed over all remains it had access to. However, Israeli officials have voiced frustration over delays in the return of 28 bodies, in addition to the 20 living hostages released earlier this week.
Last week, the United States deployed roughly 200 troops to Israel not to engage in combat but to help oversee and monitor the ceasefire arrangement alongside international partners and humanitarian groups. American officials have repeatedly emphasized that no U.S. personnel will enter Gaza.
Two senior White House advisers, speaking anonymously, told reporters that Washington does not believe Hamas has yet violated the ceasefire but warned that the current instability could jeopardize future negotiations.
Trump’s latest remarks underscore the volatility of the Gaza ceasefire and reflect growing U.S. concern that Hamas’ internal rivalries and the ongoing humanitarian crisis could reignite full-scale conflict.
As the situation teeters between fragile peace and renewed chaos, Washington’s warning carries a clear message: patience is running thin, and if Hamas fails to restore order and comply with the ceasefire terms, consequences military or otherwise may soon follow.