US President Donald Trump on Friday mentioned that Hamas “did not wish to make a deal” concerning a ceasefire and the discharge of hostages in Gaza. The battle has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.Talking to reporters in Washington earlier than leaving for a visit to Scotland, Trump claimed that Hamas “would not have any bargaining chips.”“Now we’re all the way down to the ultimate hostages, and so they know what occurs after you get the ultimate hostages. And mainly due to that, they actually didn’t wish to make a deal,” he mentioned.He added, referring to Hamas, “I feel they wish to die.” The US president additionally mentioned the group’s leaders are actually “going to be hunted down.”Trump additionally mentioned that Israel “must end the job… they’re going to must battle and clear it up.”When requested about French President Emmanuel Macron’s latest choice to recognise a Palestinian state, Trump responded that the transfer “doesn’t carry weight,” however known as Macron “a superb man.”Trump’s feedback got here a day after his Center East peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned the US was pulling its negotiating staff 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 fact of latest negotiations and serve the Israeli place,” 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 responsible and that Washington would discover “various choices.”