Trump Warns Hamas of Military Response if Killings in Gaza Continue

Published: October 17, 2025, 22:15 EDT

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could take military action against Hamas if the group continues to kill civilians in Gaza. The statement, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, follows reports and footage showing Hamas fighters executing rivals in Gaza City’s main square despite a ceasefire deal that aimed to end months of hostilities.

Trump Threatens Action Against Hamas Over Renewed Violence

In a direct message shared on his social media platform on Thursday, Trump wrote:

“If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The post came just days after videos circulated online showing Hamas militants executing several individuals accused of collaborating with Israel. The footage, verified by multiple regional news outlets, sparked outrage and renewed fears of instability in Gaza City.

Trump’s warning marks the most forceful U.S. statement toward Hamas since he brokered what he described earlier this month as a “peace deal” between the group and Israel. Under that agreement, Hamas was expected to release all remaining hostages, end attacks on Israeli civilians, and allow humanitarian access to Gaza.

Executions Undermine Fragile Gaza Peace Effort

Witnesses told Fox News Digital and Reuters that Hamas fighters reappeared in Gaza’s streets this week, reportedly to reassert control over the enclave following Trump’s announcement declaring “the war is over.”

Residents said the group issued an ultimatum, giving suspected Israeli collaborators until Sunday to surrender and seek amnesty. The ultimatum came amid signs of internal dissent and reports that Hamas had not yet fulfilled key parts of its agreement — including the return of all deceased hostages to Israel.

Analysts say the renewed violence threatens to derail Trump’s proposed peace framework, which had momentarily reduced tensions between Israel and Hamas. “If these reports are confirmed, it suggests Hamas is attempting to reestablish its authority through fear,” said a regional security expert quoted by Reuters.

Families Await Return of Hostage Remains

Among those waiting for news is Orna Neutra, mother of Israel Defense Forces Capt. Omer Neutra, one of two American-Israeli soldiers whose remains have not been returned. Speaking on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Orna described the ordeal as “devastating.”

“We came here on Sunday, prepared to receive him on Monday, and as the day went by and only four hostages were released, and our son wasn’t among them, it was devastating,” she said.

Capt. Omer Neutra, who served as a platoon commander, was killed earlier in the conflict. His body remains among those still held by Hamas despite earlier assurances that all deceased hostages would be repatriated during the first phase of the peace agreement.

Orna said families have spent sleepless nights waiting for updates. “Those who return usually arrive after midnight and aren’t identified until morning,” she explained. “Each time, we wait and hope — only to learn he’s still not among them, and now Hamas says no one else can be freed.”

Hamas Faces International Condemnation

International organizations and human rights observers have condemned the public executions in Gaza City as a violation of international law. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was “deeply concerned” about reports of summary executions and the ongoing withholding of hostages.

The European Union’s diplomatic service also issued a statement urging both Hamas and Israel to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire and protect civilian lives. “Any act that undermines the fragile peace or targets civilians must cease immediately,” the statement read.

U.S. officials have not confirmed whether Trump’s warning reflects an official policy position or a personal declaration. However, sources familiar with discussions told Politico that the president’s post was intended to pressure Hamas into compliance with the ceasefire conditions and to reassure Israeli families awaiting news of missing relatives.

Trump’s Role in the Gaza Peace Process

Trump’s efforts to mediate peace between Israel and Hamas have drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters credit him with brokering an initial ceasefire that halted months of violence, while critics say his direct threats risk escalating tensions.

Earlier this month, Trump declared that “war is over” in Gaza, celebrating the release of several hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from key areas of the territory. However, renewed violence and the failure to return all hostages have raised questions about the durability of the deal.

Foreign policy analysts say the situation underscores the challenges of negotiating with non-state armed groups. “Peace agreements with organizations like Hamas require sustained enforcement mechanisms,” said one analyst from the International Crisis Group. “Without that, the risk of relapse into conflict remains high.”

Outlook: Fragile Peace and Growing Uncertainty

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, international observers warn that further violence could reverse any progress made under Trump’s initiative. Families of hostages continue to call for accountability and renewed diplomatic pressure to ensure the return of their loved ones.

Whether Trump’s warning leads to action or remains a symbolic statement, the coming days will likely determine the future of Gaza’s tenuous peace.