Trump’s Warning to Hamas: Disarm or Face Consequences
President Donald Trump delivered a clear message to Hamas on Tuesday, stating firmly that if the terrorist organization fails to disarm as promised, “we will disarm them.” Speaking from the White House during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump emphasized the need for Hamas to follow through on their commitments under the recent hostage deal. This statement comes at a crucial moment, just one day after the release of all 20 living hostages who had been held captive in the Gaza Strip for nearly 740 days. While this marks significant progress, the situation remains complex as most of the 28 deceased hostages have not yet been returned to Israel, despite Hamas’ agreement to return all hostages—both alive and deceased—within a 72-hour timeframe that concluded Monday.
The President expressed frustration that Hamas “misrepresented” their ability to locate and return all the bodies of the deceased hostages, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen. This led to the establishment of an international task force over the weekend dedicated to finding these remains. “Above all else, get the hostages back,” Trump declared, emphasizing his commitment to seeing the agreement fulfilled completely. “I want them back. That’s what they said. I want them back,” he reiterated, making it clear that the return of all hostages—living and deceased—remains a top priority for his administration. The President’s focus on this humanitarian aspect of the conflict underscores the personal tragedy experienced by many families still waiting for closure.
While Trump did not specify exactly what actions he would take to forcibly disarm Hamas if necessary, he has previously indicated he would support Israel in fulfilling its military objectives in Gaza should Hamas refuse to surrender its weapons. The disarmament phase was originally scheduled to begin during the second stage of the agreement, which would commence after all hostages were returned. However, Trump suggested in a Truth Social post that this second phase has already begun, writing: “All 20 hostages are back and feeling as good as can be expected. A big burden has been lifted, but the job is not done. The dead have not been returned, as promised! Phase two begins right now!!!” This statement signals the President’s intention to move forward with the next steps of the agreement despite the incomplete return of deceased hostages.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with reports that Hamas has executed rivals in the territory in an apparent attempt to reassert control. This development raises questions about Hamas’ willingness to fully comply with the terms of the agreement, including the critical disarmament provision. The terrorist organization’s actions in the wake of the hostage release highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. For the families of hostages, especially those still waiting for the return of deceased loved ones, these political and military maneuvers represent painful delays in their quest for closure and healing.
Medical reports about the freed Israeli hostages have begun to emerge, revealing the harsh conditions they endured during their captivity. These details underscore the humanitarian urgency behind Trump’s insistence on Hamas fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. For the President, the return of all hostages and Hamas’ disarmament represent non-negotiable components of any path forward. His stance reflects both a commitment to the humanitarian aspects of the crisis and a strategic vision for regional security that cannot accommodate an armed Hamas continuing to operate in Gaza. The agreement’s structure links these elements together, with Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza contingent upon Hamas’ disarmament.
As the situation evolves, Trump’s dual message of humanitarian concern and military resolve sets the tone for the next phase of engagement. His administration faces the delicate task of balancing support for Israel’s security needs while pursuing the return of all hostages and pushing for Hamas’ disarmament. The President’s warning to Hamas represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing crisis—a clear statement that while diplomatic agreements are preferred, there are consequences for failing to honor commitments. For the people of the region, including Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire and Israeli families awaiting the return of loved ones, the stakes of this standoff remain extraordinarily high. The coming days will reveal whether Trump’s warning will lead to compliance from Hamas or necessitate the more forceful approach he has promised.
