U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office on September 30, 2025. Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images.
As reported by CNN
U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with CNN, spoke about Hamas: warned the group against retaining power over Gaza and stated that if they resist they risk facing “total destruction,” while emphasizing his intention to push forward his ceasefire plan.
Total destruction!
Trump added that Hamas’s response to his twenty-point ceasefire plan was viewed in the context of Senator Lindsey Graham’s interpretation: allegedly Hamas rejected the plan, demanding to retain control over Gaza by the Palestinian side and tying the release of hostages to negotiations.
Is he wrong?
“Is he wrong?” asked the host. “We will see. Only time will tell!” Trump replied, emphasizing that he expects quick clarity about whether Hamas truly seeks peace.
“As for Bibi,” Trump said when asked whether he fully backs Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the effort to end the bombardment in Gaza and to support the broader concept of his vision.
Overview of Ceasefire Prospects
On Saturday, Trump said that Israel agreed to the initial withdrawal line outlined in his ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, after which the administration awaits confirmation from Hamas. In a post on social media, he noted that the ceasefire would be immediately in effect with Hamas’s agreement, and that the exchange of hostages and prisoners would begin immediately after this.
“The ceasefire will be immediately in effect, the exchange of hostages and prisoners will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of the withdrawal that will bring us closer to the end of this 3,000-year catastrophe.”
Also on Saturday, Trump said that Israel had temporarily paused airstrikes on Gaza – a move, in his view, that helps seal a final deal, secure the release of hostages, and accelerate the diplomatic process.
That same day, CNN reported that as of Saturday at least 67 people had died from Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to local hospitals.
On Friday, Trump revealed that Hamas positively reacted to his twenty-point plan to end the conflict. In a video address released on Truth Social, he called it “a big day” and described the development as “unprecedented.”
Read also:
- US President Trump urges Hamas and Israel to advance Gaza ceasefire plan as delegations head to Cairo for final agreement amid ongoing conflict and protests.
- Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad defends deadly October 7 attacks on Israel, calling it a “golden moment” for the Palestinian cause amid rising international condemnation of Israel’s Gaza operation.
- Greta Thunberg alleges harsh treatment during her detention by Israeli authorities after the Gaza aid flotilla interception, sparking international concern over detainees’ rights.
