Will Hamas Be 'Obliterated' If They Reject Disarmament?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hamas could face severe consequences if they do not disarm.
- Israel has authority over foreign troop decisions in Gaza.
- Hostage recovery efforts are challenging and require patience.
- Turkey's involvement may be crucial in ongoing negotiations.
- Mutual accusations have put the truce under strain.
Jerusalem, Oct 22 (NationPress) US Vice President JD Vance stated that Hamas will be "obliterated" if it fails to disarm, adding that Israel will determine the presence of any foreign troops in Gaza.
During a press briefing on Tuesday in Kiryat Gat, located just north of Gaza, Vance mentioned that Hamas fighters could avoid severe consequences if they choose to cooperate. "If it doesn't cooperate … Hamas is going to be obliterated," he asserted.
Vance highlighted that the White House will not impose pressure on Israel regarding foreign troop deployments, labeling it as "a question for the Israelis to agree to." He also noted that Turkey could have a crucial role to play.
As negotiations for a potential second phase of the truce continue, the US official recognized the obstacles that lie ahead, stating, "Can I say with 100 per cent certainty that it's going to work? No … but you do difficult things by trying," he remarked.
He also addressed the concerns regarding the slow recovery of hostages and remains, saying, "Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble. Some of the hostages, nobody even knows where they are," urging for "a little bit of patience."
The truce has encountered challenges due to mutual accusations of violations; however, both Israel and Hamas have publicly reaffirmed their commitment, according to Xinhua news agency.
Vance, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday, is set to meet with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, were already in Israel before Vance's arrival.