US President Donald Trump threatened to “eradicate” Hamas if the group violates its ceasefire agreement with Israel, as Vice President JD Vance headed to the region on Tuesday to reinforce the fragile truce. The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to solidify the US-brokered deal following Israel’s accusations of Hamas delays in handing over hostages’ bodies and weekend violence in Gaza.
“We made a deal with Hamas that they’re going to be very good, they’re going to behave, if they’re not, we’re going to go and eradicate them,” Trump stated at the White House on Monday. Both parties affirmed commitment to the truce, with Israel confirming Hamas returned one hostage body, bringing the total to 13 of 28 pledged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on full compliance, vowing no compromise until all remains are returned.
Hamas cited needs for more time and technical aid. Vance’s visit to Israel will focus on security challenges and diplomatic prospects. The October 10 ceasefire outlines hostage-prisoner swaps and a Gaza roadmap, but implementation faltered amid Sunday’s Israeli strikes using 153 tons of explosives, killing at least 45 per Gaza’s civil defense, after two Israeli soldiers died. Israel called it a “blatant violation,” denied by Hamas. Trump noted US forces won’t engage but Israel could act swiftly if needed.
Under the 20-point plan, Israeli troops hold half of Gaza beyond the “Yellow Line,” with repeated firings on approaching Gazans. The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack killing 1,221 mostly civilians, has claimed at least 68,216 lives in Gaza, over half women and children, per UN-credible figures.
