Middle East Envoy Witkoff to Hamas ‘Testing President Trump Would Be a Mistake’

President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, delivered a strong message to Hamas on Thursday, making it clear that the terrorist organization’s days in Gaza are numbered. While negotiations are underway, Witkoff emphasized that Hamas will not be allowed to remain in control and that President Trump’s resolve should not be underestimated.

“Hamas has not been forthright with us, and it’s time for them to be forthright with us,” Witkoff stated, calling out the group’s lies about casualties and their theft of humanitarian aid meant for Palestinian civilians. He reinforced that Trump has set clear expectations, and now it’s up to Hamas to either comply or face the consequences.

Key takeaways from Witkoff’s remarks:

• Trump has made it clear that Hamas will not govern Gaza under any circumstances.

• The ongoing ceasefire is conditional, and there is a firm though undisclosed timeline for when action will be taken if Hamas refuses to cooperate.

• Reconstruction efforts in Gaza are not a short-term fix, with estimates suggesting it could take 15-20 years, not the five years previously assumed.

Asked whether Trump was prepared to take further action, Witkoff gave a pointed response: “I wouldn’t test President Trump.” He made it clear that while Israel is leading military efforts, they have Trump’s full backing. “You heard the president say yesterday he’s giving the Israelis anything they need,” he added, reinforcing America’s unwavering support.

Witkoff also dismissed the idea that Gazans could return home in a few short years, citing a Wall Street Journal report estimating a 15-20 year reconstruction timeline. “People don’t belong back there; it’s a really dangerous environment for children, for anybody,” he warned.

For Hamas, the message is clear: their grip on Gaza is coming to an end, and Trump will not tolerate delays or deception. As negotiations continue, the clock is ticking and the terrorist group would be wise to heed Witkoff’s warning.

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