WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that Israeli forces could return to combat operations in Gaza “as soon as I say the word” if Hamas fails to uphold its obligations under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The remarks, made in a brief telephone interview with CNN, underscored the fragility of the truce announced just days earlier and highlighted Trump’s central role in shaping the next phase of the conflict.
The ceasefire, signed in Sharm el‑Sheikh on October 13 after marathon negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, was hailed as a breakthrough after two years of devastating war. It included provisions for the release of Israeli hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to designated lines inside Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid. But within days, disputes over compliance have already threatened to unravel the deal.
Trump’s comments came after Israeli officials accused Hamas of failing to fully account for the remains of hostages killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent captivity. Hamas has admitted difficulty in locating all bodies due to the destruction caused by Israeli bombardments, but insists it is acting in good faith.
“What’s going on with Hamas — that’ll be straightened out quickly,” Trump told CNN. “Israel will return to those streets as soon as I say the word. If Hamas doesn’t deliver, they’ll see what happens.”
Ceasefire Under Strain
The ceasefire agreement was designed as a phased process. In its first stage, Hamas was required to release 20 living hostages and return the remains of others within 72 hours of Israel’s formal approval. Israel, in turn, agreed to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and pull back its forces to a “yellow line” inside Gaza to allow humanitarian access.
By Wednesday morning, all 20 living hostages had been released, but disputes over the remains of the dead quickly emerged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of “bad faith” and warned that the deal could collapse if full compliance was not achieved.
Trump’s intervention appeared aimed at reinforcing Israel’s position while keeping pressure on Hamas. “The deal is clear,” he said. “If Hamas thinks they can play games, they’re mistaken. Israel is ready, and I’ll give the green light if necessary.”
The remarks rattled mediators, who had hoped the ceasefire would hold long enough to allow humanitarian relief and set the stage for broader political talks. Egyptian officials expressed concern that Trump’s comments could embolden hardliners on both sides. “We need restraint, not threats,” one Egyptian diplomat said.
Regional and International Reactions
Reactions to Trump’s warning were swift. In Gaza, Hamas officials accused the U.S. president of undermining the agreement. “This is supposed to be a ceasefire, not a license for Israel to resume aggression at will,” said Basem Naim, a senior Hamas figure. “We are committed to the deal, but we cannot produce bodies buried under rubble overnight.”
In Israel, Trump’s comments were welcomed by government officials. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the president’s words sent “a clear message to Hamas that the world will not tolerate deception.” Families of hostages gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square expressed mixed feelings — relief that Trump was keeping pressure on Hamas, but fear that renewed fighting could endanger further negotiations.
The United Nations urged both sides to exercise restraint. Secretary‑General António Guterres said the ceasefire was “a fragile lifeline for millions of civilians” and warned that renewed hostilities would be catastrophic. European Union leaders echoed the call, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urging “patience and persistence” in implementing the deal.
Domestic Political Context
Trump’s remarks also carried domestic political weight. The president has repeatedly touted the ceasefire as a signature achievement of his second term, framing it as proof of his ability to deliver peace where others failed. At a rally in Ohio earlier this week, he declared, “We ended the Gaza war. Nobody else could do it. Nobody.”
But critics argue that his threats risk undermining the very agreement he brokered. Democrats accused Trump of using the ceasefire as a political tool. “This is not about peace, it’s about power,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D‑Conn.). “Threatening to unleash war at the snap of a finger is reckless and destabilizing.”
Republicans, however, largely backed Trump’s stance. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R‑S.C.) praised the president for “keeping Hamas on notice” and said the U.S. must ensure that “terrorists don’t exploit ceasefires to regroup.”
Humanitarian Stakes
For civilians in Gaza, the uncertainty is agonizing. The enclave remains devastated after two years of war, with tens of thousands killed and much of the infrastructure destroyed. Humanitarian agencies say the ceasefire has allowed some aid to enter, but the needs are overwhelming.
“The people of Gaza are exhausted,” said Lynn Hastings, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories. “They need stability, not more threats of war. Every day of calm is precious.”
In Israel, communities near the Gaza border remain on edge. Many residents have yet to return to their homes, fearing that the ceasefire could collapse at any moment. “We want peace, but we don’t trust Hamas,” said Yael Ben‑Ami, a resident of Sderot. “If Trump says the army will go back in, maybe that’s the only way to keep us safe.”
What Comes Next
The immediate focus is on whether Hamas can deliver on the remaining terms of the ceasefire. Mediators are working to verify the status of hostages’ remains and to establish mechanisms for continued humanitarian access. Trump has hinted at a “phase two” of his peace plan, which would address Gaza’s governance and the broader Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, but details remain vague.
Analysts say the president’s threats reflect both his negotiating style and his desire to maintain leverage. “Trump believes in maximum pressure,” said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. peace negotiator. “He wants Hamas to know that the alternative to compliance is devastating. But the risk is that this approach could backfire and trigger exactly the escalation he says he wants to avoid.”
For now, the ceasefire hangs in the balance. Whether it holds may depend less on the fine print of the agreement than on the political will of the leaders involved — and on Trump’s willingness to temper his rhetoric.
As one European diplomat put it: “The ceasefire is like glass. It can shatter at any moment. What we need now is careful handling, not hammer blows.”
Reporting by Nick Ravenshade. Original analysis by NENC Media Group.
Sources: CNN, Indian Express, Firstpost, Connected to India, Jewish News, Straits Times.
Photo: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, CC BY 2.0, via Openverse
Comments ()