(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump stated that Israel must drive Hamas out of Gaza as ceasefire negotiations have once again broken down. He accused the Palestinian militant group of bad-faith negotiations, using Israeli hostages as bargaining chips. Trump insisted that West Jerusalem needs to “clean it up” and “get rid” of Hamas.

“They didn’t want a deal. I think they want to die, and it’s very bad. It’s time to finish the job,” Trump told reporters before leaving for Scotland. “Now they are going to be hunted down,” he added.

Earlier this week, Israel withdrew its delegation from indirect talks in Qatar. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, criticized Hamas for lacking willingness to reach a ceasefire and said the US would explore other ways to free hostages and stabilize Gaza.

Israeli officials maintain their goal is the complete removal of Hamas from Gaza. Although talks have stalled, sources told The New York Times that the withdrawal doesn’t mean the negotiations are over. Hamas expressed surprise at the US envoy’s comments, saying it had sent its final reply to Israel’s demands. Both sides blame each other for the deadlock since the truce ended two months ago.

Meanwhile, the UN and aid groups have renewed pleas for Israel to allow more food and supplies into Gaza, describing the crisis as a “man-made” famine. Israel says it will increase aid but only through channels that bypass Hamas, accusing the group of stockpiling resources.

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