Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas Following Attacks
President Donald Trump has delivered a stern message to Hamas after a tragic incident in Jerusalem that left five Israelis dead and close to 20 others injured. “Everyone wants a hostage house. Everyone wants to end this war! The Israelites have agreed to my terms. Now it’s time for Hamas to do the same. I’ve warned them about what could happen if they don’t accept. This is my last warning—there won’t be another! Thanks for your cooperation on this issue,” he posted on his social media platform Sunday afternoon.
Reports from various news outlets indicate that two Palestinian attackers, both in their twenties, boarded a bus and opened fire before being killed at the scene. In reaction, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a significant operation aimed at addressing terrorism in the West Bank. Notably, one of the attackers had a father recently detained during an IDF operation.
In response to Trump’s statement, Hamas reportedly joined negotiations, expressing a willingness to discuss terms provided there’s a clear announcement regarding the war’s conclusion, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and the formation of a committee to manage Gaza, composed of independent Palestinian members.
Meanwhile, the IDF has taken measures, demolishing several tall buildings in Gaza City and advising residents to evacuate for their safety, with around 100,000 fleeing the area so far.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified these actions, indicating that many Gazans were being used as human shields. He remarked, “We don’t shy away from any means. Sometimes, we even target women and children in the legs when necessary.”
He expressed a desire for the conflict to end swiftly to mitigate negative perceptions of Israel. “I’d prefer to achieve victory over our adversaries than worry about how we are portrayed in the media. I don’t want to be seen as defeated by our enemies while the world writes glowing obituaries about them. Victory is what we should aim for,” Netanyahu concluded.
