In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump issued a warning to Hamas, threatening to forcibly disarm the group if they do not surrender their weapons voluntarily. The situation has escalated following Hamas returning additional deceased hostages, raising concerns about the stability of the Gaza ceasefire, especially with Israel’s reluctance to open the Rafah border crossing for assistance.
Expressing his frustration, Trump emphasized the need for Hamas to disarm, stating that failure to comply would result in forceful action to ensure their compliance. He criticized Hamas for inaccurately reporting the number of deceased hostages they were able to return. Trump highlighted the importance of retrieving all hostages and expressed his determination to see this through.
Amidst escalating tensions, Trump mentioned the presence of rival armed factions in Gaza, which have emerged in the absence of Hamas leadership due to Israeli actions. Despite recent positive developments, including the release of hostages and the signing of a peace agreement, uncertainties loom over the sustainability of peace efforts after years of conflict resulting in significant casualties.
Trump’s comprehensive peace plan includes demands for Hamas to disarm and deliver the remaining deceased hostages as agreed upon. The IDF confirmed the retrieval of additional hostage remains by the Red Cross from Gaza, but a significant number of promised releases are still pending. Israeli authorities have maintained the closure of the Rafah crossing to pressure Hamas into fulfilling their commitments.
The situation remains fluid, with the fate of the remaining hostages and the stability of the peace agreement hanging in the balance. Efforts to ensure compliance with the peace deal continue, with Trump’s administration closely monitoring the developments in the region.