Trump May Authorise Israel to Resume War

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that if Hamas refuses to honour a peace agreement, he may authorise Israel to launch military operations in Gaza once again. Speaking in a brief phone interview with CNN on Wednesday, Trump said, “With my word, Israeli soldiers will take to the roads again.”

Trump added, “The problems caused by Hamas will be resolved quickly.” Previously, Israel accused Hamas of violating ceasefire terms and failing to return living and deceased hostages, which has fuelled public anger.

Israel has informed the United Nations that, owing to receiving only a very limited number of bodies of deceased hostages from Hamas, humanitarian aid to Gaza may be reduced or delayed. Conversely, Hamas claims that because Israeli bombardment has turned parts of the enclave into rubble, many hostage remains cannot be retrieved.

Despite the rising tensions, the 20‑point peace agreement declared by Trump remains in effect. Under Article 4 of the accord, Israel is required to return all hostages—living and deceased—within 72 hours of publicly accepting the agreement.

By yesterday morning, 20 living Israeli hostages had been returned to their homeland, and Hamas handed over eight bodies. Israel’s armed forces reported that none of the returned remains matched any known Israeli hostages. CNN sources say that another four to five bodies may be delivered later in the evening.

Trump emphasised that the safe return of living hostages is now paramount. His two senior advisers said the U.S. does not consider Hamas’s partial withholding of remains to constitute a breach of the agreement. They added that, via third‑party mediation, Hamas has assured the United States it is making every effort to recover the remaining bodies.

Meanwhile, fresh clashes have erupted in Gaza between Hamas and other armed groups following the hostage exchanges. In some instances, it is believed that Hamas has carried out public executions.

Trump warned once again that Hamas must disarm; otherwise it will be compelled to surrender by force. His 20‑point plan dictates that Hamas should play no future role in governing Gaza, the area must be demilitarised, and it must be administered under an independent oversight mechanism.

Speaking to CNN, Trump asserted, “At present, Hamas is removing violent groups from Gaza.” When asked what would happen should Hamas refuse to disarm, he replied, “With my word, Israel will swiftly return to the streets.”

Trump expressed optimism about long‑term peace. He said, “Fifty‑nine countries are party to this ceasefire deal. They all want to adhere to the Abraham Accords framework. Iran is no longer an issue.”