In a tense exchange on Thursday, US President Donald Trump issued a grave warning to Hamas, declaring that if the internal bloodshed in Gaza continues, “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them.”
The warning follows renewed reports of violent infighting within Gaza, despite the ceasefire and hostage agreement that went into effect last week between Israel and Hamas — marking two years of relentless conflict.
However, Trump later clarified his remarks, emphasizing that the United States would not deploy troops into Gaza. “It’s not going to be us,” he told reporters. “There are people very close, very nearby that will go in and they’ll do the trick very easily — but under our auspices.”
Earlier this week, Trump had remarked that Hamas had eliminated “a couple of gangs that were very bad,” admitting bluntly, “That didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you.” Yet, his tone changed as the violence deepened. “They will disarm, and if they don’t, we will disarm them — quickly and perhaps violently,” he said.
Inside Gaza, the power vacuum has widened. Once firm control by Hamas police has fractured after Israeli airstrikes targeted their strongholds, allowing local gangs and rival factions — some allegedly backed by Israel — to seize control of territories and hijack humanitarian aid, worsening Gaza’s already dire starvation crisis.
Under Trump’s ceasefire plan, Hamas was to return all hostages — both living and deceased — by Monday’s deadline. When the deadline lapsed, the agreement required Hamas to at least provide information about the deceased.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Wednesday that Israel “will not compromise” until all hostages’ remains are returned, while Hamas insists it has complied by handing over the remains it had access to.
Meanwhile, the US has dispatched 200 troops to Israel, not to enter Gaza but to assist in monitoring and enforcing the ceasefire deal in cooperation with international partners and NGOs.
Despite tensions, US advisers suggest Hamas is still cooperating through intermediaries, working to return the remaining bodies and prevent escalation — though skepticism remains high on all sides.
This unfolding chapter highlights the fragility of peace in a region exhausted by years of conflict. While global powers debate strategies and deals, the people of Gaza continue to pay the heaviest price — their lives, their homes, and their hope for stability.
