U.S. President Donald Trump has both endorsed Hamas’s actions in asserting control over security by eliminating rival gang members and called for the Palestinian militant group to disarm. Despite Hamas releasing the remaining Israeli hostages and Israel repatriating Palestinian detainees under a ceasefire brokered by Trump, Hamas has not committed to disarming publicly.
During a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, Trump warned Hamas that if they do not disarm, the U.S. will take swift and potentially forceful action. Trump claimed to have conveyed this message to Hamas, stating that they agreed to disarm in line with his 20-point peace plan.
Following Trump’s return from visits to Israel and Egypt, the prospects for his peace proposal have dimmed. Israel has tightened restrictions on aid to Gaza and maintained the closure of the enclave’s border. Meanwhile, Hamas fighters have demonstrated their authority by executing individuals in public, accusing them of collaborating with Israeli forces.
Residents of Gaza reported an increased presence of Hamas fighters, particularly along aid routes. Clashes between Hamas and rival factions have resulted in numerous casualties. Reactions among Palestinians in Gaza to the public executions varied, with some condemning the actions while others expressed mixed sentiments.
The resumption of Hamas’s control in Gaza and ongoing incidents of violence highlight the significant challenges in advancing Trump’s ceasefire plan towards a lasting resolution. Efforts to establish an international military force for Gaza or a new governing body have not made substantial progress, as evidenced by the recent summit co-hosted by Trump in Egypt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the conflict cannot end until Hamas disarms and relinquishes control of Gaza, a condition that Hamas has rejected. Despite previous ceasefires being disrupted by Hamas actions, Trump indicated that Hamas currently has temporary authorization to maintain order.
Hamas sources indicated a zero-tolerance approach towards violators of order in Gaza, targeting collaborators, armed looters, and drug dealers. The group has begun to reassert its influence in Gaza, deploying workers to clear key routes for aid delivery and initiate infrastructure repairs.
The ceasefire has halted the devastating conflict in Gaza that began after an attack on October 7, 2023, led by Hamas gunmen. The toll of the conflict includes significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza, with many areas in ruins and facing severe humanitarian challenges.
Overall, the situation in Gaza remains fragile, with the need for sustained efforts to achieve a lasting resolution and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
