CNN reporter Jake Tapper texted President Trump about Hamas’s hold on Gaza, and the former U.S. president replied with a chilling promise of “total annihilation”.
Trump’s Response to Jake Tapper’s Text
During a brief exchange, CNN reporter Jake Tapper texted President Trump asking what would happen if Hamas continued to control Gaza. Trump replied, “Total annihilation!” and added that “We will find out. Only time will tell!”
Trump’s Comprehensive Gaza Plan
President Trump outlined a proposal aiming to finish the Gaza war, swap prisoners, move Israeli troops out, establish International Stabilization Forces, deliver humanitarian aid, and set up a temporary, non‑partisan administration of Gaza composed of Palestinians and international experts under a Peace Council chaired by the U.S. president.
Hamas’s Condensed Statement and Trump’s Reaction
In a broad Friday statement, Hamas said it would release prisoners and hand control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian authority. Trump, posting on TruthSocial, argued that the group’s willingness indicated a readiness for lasting peace and urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza so prisoners could be freed safely and swiftly.
Netanyahu Speaks on Prisoner Release and Military Stalemate
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli citizens that he hopes to report the return of all prisoners – alive and deceased – in one phase while the Israel Defense Forces remain firmly entrenched within Gaza. He claimed that only sustained military and diplomatic pressure forced Hamas to accept the plan, which would see a first phase of prisoner release and continued IDF control, followed by a second phase of Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarization, achievable either through diplomacy per Trump’s plan or through U.S. military action.
