‘They want to die’: Donald Trump blames Hamas for failed Gaza peace talks; says Israel will ‘end job’

Donald Trump (AP photograph)

US President Donald Trump on Friday mentioned that Hamas “didn’t want to make a deal” concerning a ceasefire and the discharge of hostages in Gaza. The battle has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.Speaking to reporters in Washington earlier than leaving for a visit to Scotland, Trump claimed that Hamas “doesn’t have any bargaining chips.”“Now we’re down to the final hostages, and they know what happens after you get the final hostages. And basically because of that, they really didn’t want to make a deal,” he mentioned.He added, referring to Hamas, “I think they want to die.” The US president additionally mentioned the group’s leaders at the moment are “going to be hunted down.”Trump additionally mentioned that Israel “will have to finish the job… they’ll have to fight and clean it up.”When requested about French President Emmanuel Macron’s current determination to recognise a Palestinian state, Trump responded that the transfer “doesn’t carry weight,” however referred to as Macron “a good guy.”Trump’s feedback got here a day after his Middle East peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned the US was pulling its negotiating crew from Gaza talks to seek the advice of additional in Washington.

Hamas slams US for backing Israel after Gaza talks collapse

In response, a senior Hamas official on Friday accused US envoy Steve Witkoff of distorting info and backing Israel after Washington withdrew from Gaza truce talks, blaming Hamas for blocking a deal.“His remarks contradict the reality of recent negotiations and serve the Israeli position,” mentioned Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim.Talks have stalled for over two weeks. The US and Israel pulled out Thursday, with Witkoff saying Hamas was to blame and that Washington would discover “alternative options.”