The fragile Gaza ceasefire entered a critical phase this week after Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce by returning the wrong body during a hostage exchange. Tensions rose sharply as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would intervene to disarm Hamas if the group refused to surrender its weapons peacefully.
Speaking at the White House, President Trump said:
“If Hamas does not disarm within a reasonable period of time, then we will disarm them.”
The strong statement came as new reports suggested Hamas militants were using the ceasefire to consolidate power in Gaza. Verified videos circulating online appeared to show executions of alleged “collaborators” and the return of armed patrols in several districts, raising fears that Hamas was tightening its grip instead of preparing for peace.
Israeli officials expressed outrage after confirming that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas was not an Israeli hostage, but an unidentified Palestinian.
“Israel will not tolerate deception or delay when it comes to our people living or dead,” a senior Israeli source said. “If this pattern continues, operations will resume immediately.”
Phase Two of Trump’s Peace Plan at Risk
The incident could threaten phase two of President Trump’s Middle East peace plan, which hinges on Hamas disarming and allowing a new governance framework in Gaza.
According to Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, Israel is still committed to giving diplomacy a chance:
“Trump’s heart is in the right place, and we’re giving his plan a real opportunity for peace. His statement wouldn’t have come unless he had guarantees from countries with major influence on Hamas.”
She pointed to Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt as key players capable of pressuring Hamas to comply.
“Many of Hamas’s leaders live comfortably in Qatar and Turkey with vast assets. Those governments can exert real pressure on them to choose peace,” Haskel added.
Reports of Executions Inside Gaza
Social media videos have shown armed Hamas units carrying out public executions of suspected collaborators in Gaza City. Eyewitnesses described scenes of masked gunmen forcing men to their knees before shooting them as crowds shouted “traitor.”
Ms. Haskel condemned the violence, saying:
“Hundreds of Palestinians who oppose Hamas are being executed or tortured in Gaza’s streets. Yet, the same activists who protest against Israel remain silent now that Hamas is killing Palestinians.”
Pressure Builds from Regional Powers
Regional security expert Megan Sutcliffe of Sibylline noted that pressure from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt could influence Hamas’s political leadership but its militant faction may resist.
“If Hamas refuses to disarm, the U.S. will likely support Israel in resuming limited operations,” Sutcliffe said.
She added that returning the wrong body could be a major turning point in the ceasefire’s survival. A similar mix-up occurred earlier this year, deepening mistrust between both sides.
International Mediation and Aid
A special coordination team comprising Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United States has been assembled to help Hamas locate and identify remaining hostages. Israel has signaled that if the process fails, it will consider rescue operations to recover the bodies.
Meanwhile, aid shipments through the Rafah crossing have resumed, with about 400 trucks entering Gaza daily. However, reports suggest that Hamas continues to control and manipulate aid distribution, which could become another point of contention.
“Restricting aid remains Israel’s main non-military lever,” Sutcliffe explained. “If Hamas abuses humanitarian supplies, Israel can respond without breaking the ceasefire.”
Israel’s Next Move
Israeli forces remain on high alert along the new border line, though officials stress that diplomacy remains the preferred path.
“Israel will always choose diplomacy over war,” Haskel said. “But if Hamas refuses to change course, we’ll be left with no alternative.”
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