Trump: ‘Hamas Didn’t Really Want to Make a Deal. I Think They Want to Die’

President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that peace talks between the U.S., Israel, and Hamas have officially broken down after the terrorist group refused to make any meaningful concessions. Speaking to reporters from the South Lawn of the White House before heading to Scotland, Trump minced no words: “Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die.”

The U.S. and Israeli negotiating teams had been in Doha, Qatar, working through Arab intermediaries in a last-ditch effort to broker a deal that could free the remaining Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. But according to sources familiar with the negotiations, Hamas’s demands were so extreme that even Arab mediators walked away.

Trump acknowledged the grim reality: Hamas has little incentive to release the remaining 50 hostages — 20 of whom are still believed to be alive — because doing so would eliminate its final leverage. “Hamas understands what happens when you don’t have any bargaining chips,” Trump said.

While the U.S. and Israel have officially pulled out of talks, Trump hinted at what might come next: “I think what’s going to happen is they’re going to be hunted down.” It’s a chilling statement, but one that aligns with Israel’s shifting strategy: keep the door open to talks, but apply increasing military pressure until Hamas runs out of places to hide.

Israel has so far avoided targeting Hamas positions that may be near hostages — a tactical move driven by humanitarian concerns. But with negotiations deadlocked and international patience thinning, those calculations may change.

Meanwhile, Trump didn’t hold back when asked about French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge this week to push for formal UN recognition of a Palestinian state this September. His response? “Here’s the good news: what he says doesn’t matter.”

The collapse of talks is a major setback for families of hostages, international mediators, and those hoping for a diplomatic off-ramp to the Gaza conflict. But for Trump and Israeli officials, it seems the gloves are coming off. The new message to Hamas is clear: if you won’t come to the table, you’ll be dealt with by force.