Trump: Hamas ‘Will Be Hunted Down,’ Dismisses France’s Palestine Plan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump said a ceasefire deal with Hamas is unlikely, claiming the group has lost all negotiating leverage and will be “hunted down.” He also criticized France’s recognition of Palestine as meaningless and emphasized that the U.S. has contributed $60 million in Gaza aid. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed the stance, saying Hamas lacks real intent for peace.
Trump on Gaza Conflict + Quick Looks
- Trump says Hamas doesn’t want peace, will be pursued militarily
- Ceasefire talks paused after U.S. and Israel withdraw envoys
- Hamas “has no bargaining chips left,” says Trump
- U.S. has contributed $60 million in Gaza humanitarian aid
- Trump expresses doubt aid reaches civilians, says it’s often “taken”
- France’s recognition of Palestine dismissed as symbolic by Trump
- Macron’s announcement met with backlash from Israel and U.S. officials
- Steve Witkoff: Hamas response shows “lack of desire” to reach truce
- Trump plans more aid, but questions distribution effectiveness
- Over 100 international NGOs call for end to Gaza blockade
Trump: Hamas ‘Will Be Hunted Down,’ Dismisses France’s Palestine Plan
Deep Look
President Donald Trump on Friday cast doubt on the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, telling reporters that Hamas no longer has negotiating leverage and suggesting the militant group will instead face a military crackdown.
“Hamas didn’t want to make a deal,” Trump said before departing the White House for Scotland. “I think what’s going to happen is they’re going to be hunted down.”
Trump’s remarks followed the decision by both the U.S. and Israeli governments to pull their negotiating teams from Qatar after Hamas reportedly rejected recent proposals. Special envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas showed a “lack of desire” to reach a truce, effectively halting talks that had shown only minimal progress in recent weeks.
Hamas Talks Collapse Amid Dwindling Hostage Leverage
Trump pointed to the diminishing number of Israeli hostages still in Hamas custody as a reason for the group’s eroding position at the negotiating table. “They don’t have any bargaining chips left,” he noted.
The deadlock has frustrated families of hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza, who are watching as diplomatic efforts stall once again.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have continued, and humanitarian conditions have reached crisis levels. Over 100 humanitarian organizations have called for an end to Israel’s blockade of the territory and for the restoration of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid.
Trump Questions Gaza Aid Distribution
Trump said the U.S. has already contributed $60 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza and pledged that more will come, but expressed skepticism that the assistance is reaching civilians.
“We didn’t get any thank you. But we contributed $60 million,” he said. “We hope the money gets there because, you know, that money gets taken. The food gets taken.”
The claim echoes past accusations by Israeli officials that Hamas has intercepted aid deliveries for its own use—allegations Hamas denies. Despite that, Trump emphasized that the U.S. will continue supporting humanitarian efforts while pushing for a resolution.
France Recognizes Palestinian State—Trump Dismisses It
In another international development, French President Emmanuel Macron announced this week that France will officially recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. The decision makes France the first Western permanent member of the UN Security Council and the first G7 country to take that step.
Trump downplayed the move, calling it largely inconsequential.
“He made a statement, France, Macron. The statement doesn’t carry any weight,” Trump said. “He’s a very good guy. I like him. But that statement doesn’t carry weight.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, was more forceful in his criticism, saying France’s decision “only serves Hamas propaganda” and undermines efforts to secure peace. “It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” he said.
Trump, by contrast, cast Macron’s action as a “team player” move with little practical impact.
A Fractured Path Forward
With ceasefire talks stalled and international diplomacy diverging, the path to peace in Gaza remains uncertain. Trump’s administration appears committed to a strategy that involves both pressure and limited engagement. His rhetoric suggests a pivot from diplomacy toward military and intelligence solutions—particularly if Hamas continues to resist concessions.
Witkoff, speaking Thursday, hinted at alternative options to achieve stability in Gaza and the release of remaining hostages, but did not provide specifics.
As Israel continues its offensive and international pressure mounts, Trump’s comments underscore the widening gap between Western leaders on how best to approach the Israel–Gaza conflict.
