US President Donald Trump made a bold statement saying that Hamas has promised to disarm. If they don’t follow through, he warned that the US might take action—possibly through force. “They will disarm, or we will disarm them,” he told reporters at the White House.
Trump’s message came through backchannels, not direct talks with Hamas leaders. His senior aides, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt recently. They assured him that the US would hold Israel accountable for adhering to the ceasefire terms.
A ceasefire was established last Friday, and on Monday, Hamas released 20 hostages as agreed but only returned four deceased hostages’ remains, falling short of the promise to return all. While the deal allowed for some flexibility, Trump expressed frustration that not all the bodies were returned.
When questioned about ensuring Hamas would disarm, Trump stated emphatically, “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them.” He didn’t provide specifics on how this would happen but hinted it would occur swiftly.
The situation has seen mixed reactions on social media. Many users are skeptical about Hamas’s willingness to disarm, given its history of violence. Experts cite that historical patterns show disarmament often fails when trust between the parties is low.
The recent agreement includes provisions for a joint task force to locate the remains of additional deceased hostages, with a clear expectation that Hamas puts forth effort to comply. This cooperation could reshape future engagements in the region, but skepticism remains high. As Trump transitions to focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction, he has outlined plans for a transitional government led by Palestinian technocrats, aiming for long-term peace.
In the wake of these developments, criticisms surfaced regarding Hamas’s actions since the ceasefire. Reports indicate that they have executed individuals accused of collaborating with Israel, a move intended to consolidate power. Trump referred to these killings as necessary for dealing with “bad gangs.”
As tensions continue, the situation remains fluid. The coming weeks could determine not only the fate of the hostages but also the stability of the region moving forward.
For more in-depth information on the topic, you can read a detailed overview from the Times of Israel.
