UPDATE: In a dramatic escalation, US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas: “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them” if violence persists in Gaza. This urgent statement follows a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns about escalating conflict in the region.
The warning comes as Trump prepares for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary to discuss an “end to the war” in Ukraine. A recent phone call between the two leaders has paved the way for this significant summit, signaling potential shifts in global geopolitical dynamics.
Trump’s remarks about Hamas reflect a deepening frustration over the internal violence that has erupted following the ceasefire. He downplayed previous tensions, stating that Hamas had eliminated “a couple of gangs that were very bad.” However, his tone shifted dramatically as he emphasized his limited patience for further killings in Gaza, asserting, “They will disarm, and if they don’t do so, we will disarm them, and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently.” The White House has not yet responded to requests for clarification on how Trump plans to act on these threats.
In the backdrop of these developments, Trump has revealed that he will send Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with Russian officials next week to prepare for the pivotal leadership summit with Putin. Trump stated that the recent peace deal in the Middle East would bolster negotiations regarding Ukraine, indicating that the stakes are incredibly high for both regions.
Meanwhile, Australia is responding to US pressure for increased military spending by promising a defense revamp in the coming year. This includes a substantial $1 billion AUKUS payment to the Trump administration, likely coinciding with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Washington next week.
As these critical discussions unfold, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to visit the White House, with a key decision looming regarding the potential sale of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This development could enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, further intensifying the conflict.
In other urgent news, Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus has announced her immediate retirement from swimming. The four-time Olympic gold medallist shared her emotional decision in an Instagram video, marking the end of an era for Australian sports.
As tensions rise across the globe, all eyes will be on the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting and the unfolding situation in Gaza. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor these rapidly developing stories.
