Trump issues carte blanche for ongoing genocide: 'Hamas wants to die'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Jul 2025 20:04
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As Gaza faces mass starvation and relentless bombardment, Trump’s claim that “Hamas wants to die” is seen as a green light for continued Israeli atrocities.

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Pro-Palestine supporters hold cardboard cutouts of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a march against the Israeli war on Gaza, in Sao Paulo, Sunday, June 15, 2025 (AP)

US President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric on Gaza, blaming the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas for the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations and claiming that Hamas “didn’t really want to make a deal” and that they “want to die.”

In a message that could carry therein a carte blanche for the mass killing of Palestinians, US President Donald #Trump alleged that #Hamas does not want a deal, adding, "I think they want to die."

Trump further warned of the phase that follows the release of all captives from… pic.twitter.com/hqBBxvjr31
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 25, 2025

The remarks come amid growing global outrage over US complicity in the unfolding genocide in Gaza. Washington has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire, while continuing to supply the Israeli occupation forces with billions of dollars’ worth of weapons used in the ongoing bombardment and siege of the enclave.

Trump’s comments followed the withdrawal of both US and Israeli negotiators from indirect ceasefire talks in Doha. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public claim that "Israel" remains open to a deal, Hamas swiftly rejected accusations that it is obstructing the process. Instead, the movement reaffirmed its commitment to “serious and responsible” negotiations aimed at halting the aggression that began on October 7, 2023.

In a statement released early Friday, Hamas emphasized that it had submitted its latest response to mediators after “extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, friendly countries, and all concerned parties.” The group added that it has demonstrated flexibility throughout the process and has responded positively to proposals aimed at removing obstacles to a “just and comprehensive” agreement.

Hamas reiterated that its primary objective remains “ending the aggression, lifting the siege, and reaching a stable and lasting agreement that preserves the rights and sacrifices of the Palestinian people.”

Trump’s remarks: A green light for continued killing?

Trump’s assertion that Hamas “wants to die” reflects a familiar narrative often used to justify the mass killing of Palestinians and divert attention from the systematic destruction of Gaza. His remarks come in the wake of another widely condemned statement, in which he proposed a plan to redevelop Gaza into a beachfront resort dubbed “Rivera in Gaza”, a comment interpreted by many as a genocidal fantasy amid ongoing scenes of famine and devastation.

Trump also dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, brushing it off as inconsequential. “He’s a very good guy, I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight,” Trump said.

While France has taken a bold stance amid all the Israeli and US pressures, the United States said it will not participate in an upcoming United Nations conference focused on establishing a "two-state solution", State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott announced during a press briefing.

The conference, set to take place later this month at the UN, is expected to center on recognizing a Palestinian state and advancing steps toward a "two-state" framework.

Pigott also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the US is working to increase the flow of aid into the territory while preventing it from being seized by Hamas, a claim with no proof provided and humanitarian organizations categorically denying it. Nevertheless, he accused the group of "weaponizing" humanitarian assistance, claiming attempts "to get as much aid into Gaza as possible."

In a related development, US Secretary Marco Rubio condemned Macron's initiative, alleging it would embolden Hamas.

“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly,” Rubio said in a statement on X.

The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly.

This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025

Rubio’s statement underscores growing tensions between Washington and some of its European allies over the handling of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Qatar and Egypt continue mediation push despite Gaza talks pause

Qatar and Egypt announced Friday that they remain engaged in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, downplaying the recent halt in negotiations as a routine part of the process.

In a joint statement issued by the Qatari Foreign Ministry, both nations said they were “continuing intensive efforts in the Gaza Strip mediation file” and acknowledged that “some progress” had been made during the most recent talks.

The mediators emphasized that the pause in dialogue was not a breakdown but part of standard diplomatic procedure.

“Suspending talks to hold consultations before resuming dialogue is normal in the context of these complex negotiations,” the statement read.

Hamas reaffirms commitment to ending aggression

Despite the diplomatic fallout, Hamas remains adamant about pursuing a ceasefire. “We are determined to reach an agreement that serves our people and ends the aggression,” the movement declared, underscoring its continued engagement in talks.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens by the day. Israeli bombardment continues to devastate civilian areas, and the blockade has left more than 2.4 million Palestinians in critical need of food, water, and medical supplies. Ceasefire talks now represent the only viable pathway to halting the months-long military campaign, which has displaced over 80% of Gaza’s population and inflicted unprecedented destruction.

As the death toll in Gaza surpasses 59,000, with starvation deaths mounting, the policies of both Trump and the broader US administration continue to face severe criticism from human rights organizations and international observers. Critics argue that the US is not merely a passive actor but a central enabler of one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the 21st century.