Donald Trump has issued a warning to take military action in Gaza against Hamas, just days following the implementation of a ceasefire. The US President accused Hamas of causing casualties in Gaza without specifying the incidents. Trump stated on Truth Social that if Hamas continues to cause harm in Gaza, as not agreed upon, then intervention may be necessary. He emphasized the need for Hamas to disarm, warning of swift and potentially forceful action if they fail to comply.
Recent reports have highlighted clashes between Hamas and various Palestinian factions, some of which received support from Israel during the conflict. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. A senior Hamas official accused Israel of killing multiple individuals in recent incidents, alleging that Israel is undermining the ceasefire through its actions.
The Hamas-run police force historically maintained public order in Gaza but has faced challenges in recent times due to Israeli military operations and the rise of local armed groups vying for power. Some of these factions have been accused of misusing humanitarian aid, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In separate developments, reports surfaced of Palestinians being killed by Israel for crossing the ceasefire line, with concerns raised about possible extrajudicial executions. The UN has expressed alarm over these reports, emphasizing the need for accountability for all violations of international law during the conflict.
Israeli authorities have disputed claims related to the handling of hostages’ bodies as part of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s firm stance on the issue, while Hamas stated that it had fulfilled its obligations under the ceasefire terms.
Furthermore, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar indicated plans to reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, aiming to facilitate humanitarian and economic activities in the region.
In a related development, Trump disclosed details of a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a potential meeting to address the situation in Ukraine. The meeting is proposed to take place in Budapest, Hungary, following previous diplomatic engagements between the two leaders. Both sides expressed readiness to advance discussions, with US officials preparing for talks with Russian counterparts in the coming week.