U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the militant group must disarm under the terms of a recent ceasefire agreement, or face potential U.S. intervention.
Speaking from the White House on October 14, Trump emphasized that Hamas had been given assurances to disarm but did not specify what actions the U.S. would take if these assurances were not honored.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, was hailed as a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict in the Gaza Strip. It included the release of hostages and a commitment to demilitarization. However, the agreement’s future remains uncertain, as Hamas has yet to publicly commit to disarmament.
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Trump claimed to have received verbal assurances from Hamas leaders but did not provide details on how compliance would be verified.
Analysts warn that any forced disarmament could reignite tensions in the region. The densely populated Gaza Strip, with its complex network of armed factions, presents significant challenges to enforcing such measures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Hamas’s complete disarmament is non-negotiable in any lasting peace deal.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation. While some praise Trump’s firm stance, others caution that threats of violent enforcement risk undermining delicate peace efforts and ongoing humanitarian operations.