Trump blames Hamas for Gaza truce collapse, urges Israel to “finish the job”

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Hamas, holding the group solely responsible for the breakdown of ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations in Gaza.

Addressing reporters in Washington before departing for Scotland, Trump claimed Hamas “didn’t really want to make a deal” and stated, “I think they want to die, and it’s very, very bad." He called on Israel to intensify its military campaign and “finish the job.”

Trump’s remarks followed the U.S. and Israeli withdrawal from Doha-based ceasefire talks, where his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, accused Hamas of lacking coordination or genuine intent to reach an agreement.

He added that Hamas leaders would be “hunted down” and described the remaining hostages as leverage Hamas refuses to relinquish.

Despite Trump’s tone, Egyptian and Qatari mediators described the pause in talks as “normal in complex negotiations,” and an Israeli official asserted that the negotiations had “not at all” collapsed.

The situation in Gaza remains dire. Humanitarian agencies warn of growing starvation, and the UN has highlighted alarming levels of acute malnutrition among children.

The death toll has surged beyond 59,000, with widespread displacement, especially among women and children.

Meanwhile, France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced recognition of a Palestinian state—a move dismissed by Trump as insignificant. Other European leaders awaited diplomatic consensus before following suit.

Trump also acknowledged US humanitarian contributions to Gaza, stating that $60 million had been given for aid—though reports show mixed effectiveness in reaching civilians.