Trump Issues New Demand for Hamas Demilitarization Requirements

US President Donald Trump has issued a new demand to Hamas, calling for the group’s disarmament as part of the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel. The demand was made on social media, accompanied by language that some may interpret as threatening.

Trump stated that Hamas must “honor its commitments” and proceed without delay to full demilitarization. He also demanded the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive. The US has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Hamas fulfilling its remaining obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire deal, including the return of a deceased Israeli captive.

The second phase of the ceasefire deal, which began on Wednesday, aims to tackle the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of an international peacekeeping force. Trump stated that Hamas’ weapons would be taken and the group’s network of tunnels dismantled with the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.

However, it is unclear how this goal can be achieved. The Palestinians are focused on Israel’s full military withdrawal from Gaza, a step included in the framework deal but for which no detailed timetable has been announced. Israel has continued to carry out deadly attacks across Gaza in violation of the ceasefire and has refused to withdraw from certain areas.

Under the second phase of the ceasefire deal, Gaza will be administered by a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee operating under the supervision of a “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump. The US president has reaffirmed his backing of a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government in Gaza.

Despite the ceasefire, Gaza continues to face severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and fuel. Aid agencies say Israel has not allowed the volume of humanitarian aid envisaged under phase one to enter Gaza. Most Palestinians in Gaza remain fully dependent on humanitarian aid, with some organizations having their permits suspended by Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera