Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas on Thursday, threatening military action if the group continues to kill people in the Gaza Strip. The ultimatum comes just three days after a ceasefire agreement was signed, marking a significant escalation in his rhetoric amid reports of Hamas violently reasserting control over the territory.
Trump stated on Truth Social that if Hamas “continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them.” He later clarified that United States forces would not be directly involved in any renewed offensive, but that action would be taken by “people very close, very nearby” under American auspices.
The threat follows reports that Hamas fighters have used the truce to reassert control in Gaza, allegedly targeting Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israeli forces during the recent conflict. Israel has also accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire regarding the slow return of deceased hostages.
Trump’s current stance represents a notable shift from his initial optimistic tone following the ceasefire announcement last week, when he declared the war was effectively “over.” He had initially downplayed reports of Hamas cracking down on what he referred to as “gangs” in the Palestinian territory.
Just days prior, Trump suggested in increasingly firm language that he might permit Israel to resume fighting if Hamas failed to uphold its end of the agreement. He told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Wednesday that the war would restart “as soon as I say the word.”
On Thursday, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the conversation, he expressed confidence in the deal, stating, “We know that we have a commitment from them and I assume they’re going to honor their commitment. If they don’t behave, we’ll take care of it.”
Ceasefire Under Strain
The president’s warning underscores the fragility of the recently brokered ceasefire, which aimed to bring a permanent end to the conflict. The reported actions by Hamas and Israel’s accusations have placed immediate pressure on the agreement’s integrity.
