By Gloria Nosa
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Israel could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to fully comply with the terms of the fragile ceasefire agreement.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said Israeli forces would be authorized to re-enter Gaza “as soon as I say the word,” stressing that his administration’s peace framework depends on the unconditional return of all hostages, both alive and deceased.
Hostage Returns at Center of Deal
The warning follows growing frustration in Israel over delays in the release of bodies belonging to hostages killed in captivity. While Hamas has returned all 20 Israeli hostages alive, only four bodies have been handed over, one of which Israeli authorities dispute. Officials expect four to five more bodies to arrive later in the day.
The slow handover has fueled public anger, prompting Israel to signal at the United Nations that humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza could be delayed or reduced if Hamas continues to stall.
Trump underscored that the hostage provisions were central to his administration’s 20-point peace plan, which mandated the return of all hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire.
Clashes Inside Gaza
In the aftermath of the releases, reports of violent infighting have emerged between Hamas and rival groups, including at least one public execution. Asked about these incidents, Trump said his administration was investigating, noting: “It could be gangs plus.”
He added that Hamas had begun “clearing out violent gangs,” but reiterated his demand that the group disarm. “If they don’t, we will disarm them,” he said.
Future of Gaza Under Peace Plan
Trump’s roadmap envisions a demilitarized Gaza with independent oversight and no formal role for Hamas in governance. Under the plan, Hamas members who renounce violence and surrender weapons would be granted amnesty, while those seeking exile would be offered safe passage abroad.
When pressed by CNN on what would happen if Hamas refuses, Trump replied bluntly: “Israel will return to those streets as soon as I say the word. I had to hold them back. I had it out with Bibi,” referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
International Backing
Despite the tension, Trump projected optimism about the ceasefire’s long-term prospects. He said 59 countries have signed on to or endorsed the agreement, formalized in Cairo under the title “Trump Peace Agreement.” He linked the initiative to the Abraham Accords, saying regional actors now see peace as achievable, particularly “now that Iran isn’t a problem.”
Balancing Two Conflicts
Turning to Europe, Trump noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the White House on Friday for talks on the war with Russia. Weighing the two conflicts, Trump mused about which would mark a bigger achievement: resolving the war that has dragged on for “three years” in Ukraine or the Israeli-Palestinian struggle that has lasted “three thousand.”
