Despite supporting Hamas’s actions to regain control over security by targeting members of rival groups, U.S. President Donald Trump also urged the Palestinian militant organization to disarm. On Monday, Hamas released the final Israeli captives from Gaza, and in return, Israel repatriated Palestinian detainees as part of a truce mediated 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 swiftly and potentially forcefully.” Trump claimed to have conveyed this demand to Hamas, asserting that they had agreed to disarm in accordance with his 20-point peace initiative.
Since returning from his visit to Israel and Egypt, the prospects for Trump’s peace plan have dimmed. Israel has restricted aid to Gaza and kept the enclave’s borders closed, while resurgent Hamas fighters displayed their authority by executing individuals on the streets.
In a bold demonstration of their resurgence, Hamas fighters publicly executed men accused of collaborating with Israeli forces. Reports confirmed the incident, with satellite images verifying the location. Gaza residents noted an increased presence of fighters on Tuesday, particularly along aid delivery routes.
The reinstatement of Hamas’s control in Gaza, coupled with ongoing violence, highlights the significant challenges hindering progress towards a lasting resolution under Trump’s ceasefire proposal. While Trump hailed the “historic dawn of a new Middle East” during his address to the Israeli parliament, key aspects of the plan remain unresolved.
Israeli forces maintain a strong presence in Gaza, with promised aid improvements yet to materialize for the 2.2 million inhabitants, many of whom are facing food shortages. A summit convened by Trump in Egypt concluded without significant progress towards establishing an international military force for Gaza or a new governing body.
Hamas sources emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for breaches of order in Gaza, vowing to target collaborators, armed looters, and drug dealers. Despite being weakened by Israeli attacks, Hamas has been gradually reasserting control, with fighters resurfacing since the ceasefire. The group has also mobilized workers to clear routes for aid access and repair infrastructure damaged during the conflict.
The ceasefire has halted two years of devastating conflict in Gaza initiated by an attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas-affiliated gunmen. The toll from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza stands at nearly 68,000 casualties, with extensive destruction and humanitarian crises plaguing the region.