Trump warns Hamas of possible action if Gaza violence continues

US President Donald Trump vents anger. Photo - AP-UNB

WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (UNB/AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Hamas that “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them” if internal bloodshed persists in Gaza, amid rising tensions following last week’s ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

Trump’s stark warning contrasts with his earlier comments downplaying the violence in Gaza. On Tuesday, he had noted that Hamas had eliminated “a couple of gangs that were very bad” and killed some gang members, adding, “That didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you.”

The president did not provide details on how the U.S. might act on his threat, and the White House did not immediately clarify. Nonetheless, Trump stressed his limited patience with killings carried out by Hamas against rival factions within the territory.

“They will disarm, and if they don’t do so, we will disarm them, and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently,” Trump said.

Following Israel’s military advances in Gaza, Hamas-run police, which have maintained security since the militants seized power 18 years ago, largely withdrew. Armed gangs and influential local families, including some anti-Hamas factions reportedly backed by Israel, have filled the security vacuum. Many have been accused of hijacking humanitarian aid and selling it, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the territory.

Trump’s ceasefire plan had called for all hostages — living and dead — to be returned by a deadline that expired Monday. Hamas was required to provide information about deceased hostages and return them as soon as possible.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday demanded that Hamas fully comply with the ceasefire requirements regarding hostages’ bodies. Hamas’ armed wing said in a statement that it had handed over all the remains it could access and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire terms.