‘We will have no choice but to go in and kill them’: Trump issues stern warning to Hamas

Trump’s warning on Thursday is in stark contrast to his comments on Tuesday, where he played down the public executions carried out by Hamas in Gaza, comparing them to gang violence in countries like Venezuela.

Public executions by Hamas

Following the partial withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas was quick to assert its control over the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

Hamas security forces returned to the streets, where they clashed with rival armed groups and killed alleged gangsters in what the militant group says is an attempt to restore law and order in areas where Israeli troops have withdrawn.

Videos had also gone viral on social media showing Hamas gunmen publicly executing eight blind-folded men, sparking international outrage and condemnation.

Trump says will disarm Hamas

While this is the first time Trump has warned Hamas over its executions, this is not the first time the US President has threatened to use force against the militant group, for their failure to abide by the Gaza ceasefire deal.

In particular, Trump had raised the issue of Hamas disarmament and demilitarisation of Gaza as envisioned in the 20-point peace plan.

Hamas has repeatedly rejected calls for it to disarm, much to the anger of the US and Israel.

“If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them,” Trump had said earlier this week.

Trump has also called out Hamas for its failure to uphold another key promise in the Gaza ceasefire deal – the return of all Israeli hostages. As part of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Hamas had agreed to return all Israeli hostages, living and dead. But until now, it has only returned 20 living hostages and the bodies of nine deceased captives.

“I want them back. That’s what they said. I want them back,” Trump had said.