Donald Trump has issued a warning to take action in Gaza against Hamas shortly after a ceasefire was implemented. The US President accused Hamas of causing deaths in Gaza but did not provide specific details on the incidents. Trump stated on Truth Social that if Hamas continues to cause harm in Gaza, the US will intervene forcefully. He also mentioned his lack of concern regarding Hamas dealing with certain groups in Gaza.
Trump emphasized that he has little tolerance for the violence perpetrated by Hamas and threatened to disarm them swiftly if they do not comply. Recently, around 200 American troops were deployed to Israel to assist in maintaining the ceasefire agreement after a prolonged conflict. Reports have emerged of ongoing clashes between Hamas and various factions, some allegedly backed by Israel, violating the ceasefire terms.
A senior Hamas official accused Israel of killing at least 24 individuals in recent shootings, undermining the ceasefire agreement. The Hamas-run police, traditionally responsible for maintaining public order, lost control as Israeli forces advanced into Gaza. This power vacuum allowed local families and armed groups to exploit humanitarian aid, worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel reportedly killed five Palestinians for breaching the ceasefire boundary, raising concerns about possible executions and torture of detainees. The United Nations expressed alarm over these reports and stressed the need for accountability for violations of international law during the conflict. Israel disputed the identities of the bodies returned by Hamas, complicating the ceasefire terms related to hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s firm stance on upholding the ceasefire terms, particularly regarding the return of hostages’ remains. Hamas claimed compliance with the ceasefire provisions by handing over the remains they had access to. Additionally, discussions are underway to potentially reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt, facilitating humanitarian aid access.
Trump disclosed details of a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, announcing plans for an upcoming face-to-face meeting in Budapest, Hungary, to address the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting aims to build on previous discussions between the two leaders in Alaska, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressing readiness for the upcoming diplomatic efforts. US officials led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio will engage in talks with Russian counterparts before the Trump-Putin meeting, though the exact location of these discussions remains unknown.
