Despite endorsing Hamas’s elimination of members of rival factions to strengthen its control over security, U.S. President Donald Trump has also called for the disarming of the Palestinian militant group. On Monday, Hamas released the remaining Israeli captives in Gaza, while Israel repatriated Palestinian detainees as part of a ceasefire deal mediated by Trump. However, Hamas has not publicly committed to surrendering its arms.
During a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, Trump remarked that if Hamas refuses to disarm, the U.S. would take necessary actions swiftly, potentially resorting to force. He claimed to have conveyed this demand to Hamas, stating their agreement to disarm in line with his 20-point peace initiative.
Following Trump’s return from visits to Israel and Egypt, the prospects for his peace plan have dimmed. Israel has imposed restrictions on aid to Gaza and maintained the closure of the enclave’s borders. Meanwhile, resurgent Hamas fighters have demonstrated their authority by executing individuals on the streets, alleging collaboration with Israeli forces.
In a brazen display of their resurgence, Hamas fighters executed alleged collaborators in Gaza City. Video evidence of the incident was confirmed by a Hamas source to Reuters and verified through satellite imagery. Residents of Gaza reported an increased presence of fighters, obstructing aid delivery routes. Palestinian security sources disclosed clashes resulting in several casualties in recent days.
Some residents of Gaza denounced the public executions, while others expressed mixed sentiments. Anwar Al-Qahouji, 50, expressed unease in Gaza since the conflict began, highlighting a lack of security regardless of Hamas’s governance. As Hamas regains control in Gaza and violence persists, significant challenges loom over efforts to advance Trump’s ceasefire proposal towards a lasting resolution.
Despite promises of enhanced aid distribution, Israeli forces maintain a significant presence in Gaza, delaying vital support to its 2.2 million residents. A summit hosted by Trump in Egypt concluded without substantial progress towards establishing an international military presence or a new governing body for Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on Hamas disarming and relinquishing control of Gaza to end the conflict, terms that Hamas has rejected, impeding previous peace endeavors. Trump, having declared an end to the war, granted temporary authority to Hamas to maintain order.
Hamas sources communicated their commitment to enforcing order in Gaza, vowing to target collaborators and perpetrators of disorder. Though weakened by Israeli offensives, Hamas has started to reassert itself, with fighters returning to the streets post-ceasefire. The group has initiated road clearance and security measures to facilitate aid delivery and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
The ceasefire has halted two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, initiated by a 2023 attack that resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking. The aftermath has left parts of Gaza in ruins, with reports of famine and a pressing need for humanitarian assistance.