President Donald Trump issued a warning on October 16, saying that if Hamas continues killing people in Gaza the US “will have no choice but to go in and kill them.” The statement marks a significant escalation in his remarks toward the militant group, as he tries to uphold the recently established ceasefire with Israel.
The warning came just three days after a peace agreement was reached in the Middle East. Reports indicate that Hamas forces have used the pause in fighting to reassert control over Gaza, allegedly targeting Palestinians accused of cooperating with Israel during the conflict.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not part of the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Back in October 2023, the attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israeli soldiers and civilians shocked the world. And so, too, has the Israeli response. Sadly, this latest conflict represents yet another tragic episode in the long and bitter feud between Arabs and Israelis. But what are the origins of this seemingly endless hostility that's killed thousands of people and displaced millions?
Click through for a better understanding of the current Israel-Hamas conflict.