Donald Trump says Hamas leaders will be ‘hunted down' as he blames the group for collapse of ceasefire talks, while Netanyahu signals shift in Israeli strategy
It comes a day after Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, cut short indirect talks with the Palestinian militant group in Doha with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also withdrawing his negotiating team.
The breakdown has cast doubt over a truce that would have paused fighting for 60 days and allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza in exchange for hostages.
'It was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die,' Mr Trump told reporters before departing for the UK.
'And it's very bad. And it got to a point where you're going to have to finish the job.'
Referring to the Palestinian militant group's leadership, the president added: 'I think they will be hunted down.'
The Israeli leader said on Friday that new avenues are now being considered in coordination with the United States.
'Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal,' Mr Netanyahu posted on X. 'Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region.'
Mr Witkoff blamed Hamas for the collapse in talks, accusing them of acting in bad faith.
In response, Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim hit back at the US envoy, saying he had misrepresented the nature of the discussions.
'The negative statements of the US envoy Witkoff run completely counter to the context in which the last negotiations were held, and he is perfectly aware of this, but they come to serve the Israeli position,' Mr Naim said.
A core sticking point in the ceasefire proposal appears to be Israel's military presence in Gaza and uncertainty about what happens after the 60-day truce period ends.
Meanwhile, Trump also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron, who this week announced that France would be the first major Western power to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
'Given its historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine,' Mr Macron posted on X. 'Peace is possible.'
Reacting to the announcement, Mr Trump dismissed the French president's move.
'He's (Macron) a very good guy, I like him, but that statement doesn't carry weight,' he said. 'What he says doesn't matter. It's not going to change anything.'
Mr Netanyahu labelled the move by France 'a reward for terrorism'.
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