In a direct and forceful statement, President Trump insisted that Hamas must be removed from Gaza, referencing the terror group’s devastating October 7 assault. During a phone interview, Trump declined to endorse Israel’s planned Gaza City offensive outright, but stressed that under current conditions, Hamas cannot be allowed to remain and that military strength is crucial.
He acknowledged the immense risk such operations pose to the remaining hostages—only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive—but expressed skepticism that Hamas would release them without external pressure. Trump emphasized that Israel must determine its own next steps in Gaza, positioning the U.S. as supportive yet non-interventionist.