During a tense exchange with a reporter, former President Donald J. Trump issued a forceful warning to Hamas while addressing whether U.S. forces would go into combat in response to recent hostilities. Asked directly if “we” — meaning American boots on the ground — would carry out an eradication campaign against Hamas, Trump rejected the premise of a unilateral U.S. invasion and instead highlighted an international willingness to act.

“No. We have 59 countries. Countries called me when Hamas started killing saying, ‘We’d love to go in and take care of it ourselves,’” Trump said. He added that Israel would be ready to move “within 2 minutes” if ordered, and that he could authorize allied action but is opting to allow diplomatic and allied avenues to play out “right now.”

In his remarks, Trump asserted that Hamas has lost Iranian backing and must comply with agreements or face severe consequences. “If not, they’ll be eradicated,” he said, framing the warning as a consequence for continued violations.

The exchange underscores three key messages from Trump’s comments: he emphasized broad international support for decisive action, he signaled strong backing for rapid Israeli military capability, and he framed the choice facing Hamas as compliance or eradication. While the remarks project resolve and a coalition-oriented posture, they also raise questions about escalation risks and the weight of rhetoric in a volatile regional environment.

Observers will likely watch closely for any diplomatic moves or operational changes following the comments, and for statements from alliance partners about the degree to which they would participate in direct military operations. For now, Trump framed the moment as a test of compliance by Hamas — one that, in his view, could determine whether international forces move from rhetoric to action.