President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, threatening to authorize lethal force if the group continues killings in Gaza, just days after a ceasefire agreement was reached. This represents a sharp escalation in his approach to the conflict.
Trump made the threat in a social media post on Thursday, stating that if Hamas persists in targeting people in Gaza, “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them.” He later clarified that US forces would not be directly involved, suggesting that nearby allies, likely Israel, would carry out any offensive under US auspices. This clarification aimed to reassure that American troops would not be deployed in a combat role, emphasizing a reliance on regional partners for enforcement.
The warning comes amid reports that Hamas fighters have used the truce to violently reassert control over the Gaza Strip, targeting Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israeli forces during the recent war. This internal crackdown has led to deadly clashes and public executions, raising concerns about human rights violations and destabilizing the fragile peace. Local forces reported incidents such as the killing of a prominent journalist by gunmen linked to Israel-backed gangs, highlighting the complex dynamics on the ground.
Trump’s stance marks a reversal from earlier in the week, when he expressed ambivalence toward Hamas’s actions against gangs in Gaza, even describing the elimination of “very bad” gang members as acceptable. However, as evidence of continued violence mounted, including footage of apparent executions, his rhetoric hardened significantly. This shift reflects the challenges in enforcing ceasefire terms and the pressure to maintain stability in the region.
The ceasefire, brokered by Trump and signed just days ago, was intended to halt the conflict between Israel and Hamas, but it has been fragile. Israel has accused Hamas of failing to fully comply with terms, such as the slow return of deceased hostages’ bodies, and has threatened to restrict humanitarian aid in response. Additionally, Israel has violated the agreement by killing Palestinians near military-controlled areas, citing security concerns, which further complicates the truce.
Despite the threats, Trump expressed confidence that the deal would hold, noting commitments from Hamas during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the uncertainty over Hamas’s disarmament and governance in Gaza casts doubt on the long-term sustainability of the truce. Trump warned that if Hamas does not disarm voluntarily, it would be disarmed by force, potentially leading to renewed conflict and undermining diplomatic progress.
The situation highlights the broader challenges in maintaining peace in the region, with ongoing Israeli occupation and unclear future arrangements for Gaza. Trump’s escalating language risks reigniting hostilities, underscoring the precarious nature of the current ceasefire and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to address underlying issues. Moving forward, international observers are closely monitoring whether Hamas will curb its actions or face the consequences of Trump’s ultimatum.