Despite supporting Hamas’s actions in asserting control over security and endorsing the killing of rival gang members, U.S. President Donald Trump has also called for the disarming of the Palestinian militant group. On Monday, Hamas released the final Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israel repatriated Palestinian detainees under a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Trump. However, Hamas has not publicly committed to relinquishing its weapons.
During a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, Trump stated, “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them. And it will happen quickly and possibly forcefully.” Trump claimed to have conveyed this demand to Hamas, asserting that they had agreed to disarm in accordance with his 20-point peace proposal.
Since returning from his trip to Israel and Egypt, the prospects for Trump’s peace plan have dimmed. Israel has limited aid access to Gaza and kept the territory’s borders closed, while resurgent Hamas fighters have exhibited their authority by executing individuals in public.
In a bold display of power, Hamas fighters executed men accused of collaborating with Israeli forces, as confirmed by a Hamas source to Reuters. The escalation of violence in recent days has resulted in clashes between Hamas fighters and rivals, leading to numerous casualties.
The resumption of Hamas’s control in Gaza and the ongoing violence highlight the significant challenges hindering progress towards a lasting resolution under Trump’s ceasefire plan. Despite Trump’s optimistic remarks about a “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” critical aspects of the plan remain unresolved, posing obstacles similar to those that derailed previous peace initiatives.
Israeli forces maintain a presence in Gaza following a partial withdrawal, with promised increases in aid deliveries yet to materialize for the population. Efforts to establish an international military force for Gaza and a new governing body have not made substantial progress following a summit hosted by Trump in Egypt.
Hamas sources have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for violations in Gaza, pledging to target collaborators, armed looters, and drug dealers to maintain order. Despite being weakened by Israeli actions, Hamas has been gradually reasserting control, with fighters returning to the streets and efforts to clear pathways for aid and repair infrastructure underway.
The ceasefire has halted two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, triggered by a 2023 attack, with significant casualties and widespread destruction. Gaza continues to face challenges, including famine, as it strives to rebuild and recover from the prolonged conflict.
