US president says Israeli forces could “return to the streets” if ceasefire terms are broken
US President Donald Trump said he would authorize Israel to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to disarm or uphold its commitments under the current ceasefire, marking a critical moment in his Middle East peace initiative.
“As Soon As I Say the Word”
Speaking to CNN on October 15, Trump said Israeli forces could return to Gaza “as soon as I say the word” if Hamas refuses to comply with the ceasefire deal. “If Israel could go in and knock the crap out of them, they’d do that,” he remarked, underscoring his administration’s firm stance on ensuring the militant group’s disarmament.
The warning followed growing frustration in Israel, which accused Hamas of failing to fully honor the ceasefire terms requiring the handover of all hostages, both living and deceased. While all 20 living hostages have been released, only eight bodies have been returned, prompting Israel to delay certain humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
Ceasefire Terms Under Scrutiny
Trump’s 20-point peace plan — which underpins the current ceasefire — stipulates that Hamas must release all hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the agreement and permanently renounce armed resistance. According to US officials, Hamas has pledged through mediators to continue locating and returning the remaining bodies, some of which may be trapped beneath rubble after years of conflict.
Despite sporadic violence, the ceasefire has largely held since its start on October 10, though tensions remain high in Gaza amid reports of Hamas executing alleged collaborators.
US Military Urges Immediate Disarmament
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also issued a statement calling on Hamas to cease violence against civilians and disarm “without delay.” Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the US has urged regional mediators to enforce the peace and protect Gaza’s civilian population, warning that further violence would jeopardize stabilization efforts.
The US is expected to deploy up to 200 troops to Israel in a support capacity but will not send forces into Gaza. The troops will assist with international stabilization and police training as part of the demilitarization plan for the enclave.
Hamas Crackdown Raises Concerns
Since the ceasefire began, Hamas has gradually redeployed its security units across Gaza, claiming to restore order amid postwar chaos. Palestinian sources reported that the group executed more than 30 alleged gang members in Gaza City. Trump previously commented on these reports, saying he was “doing research” to determine whether Hamas had executed criminals or innocent civilians.
“I’m looking into it. It could be gangs plus,” he told CNN.
Vision for a Postwar Gaza
Under Trump’s plan, Hamas would relinquish power in Gaza, which would become demilitarized and governed by a Palestinian committee under international supervision. Amnesty would be granted to Hamas members who surrender their weapons and agree to peaceful coexistence, while others wishing to leave would be given safe passage abroad.
“Fifty-nine countries are part of this,” Trump said, referencing nations that signed or supported the “Trump Peace Agreement” in Cairo. “We’ve never seen anything like this. Now they want to join the Abraham Accords — and Iran isn’t a problem anymore.”
Broader Diplomatic Ambitions
The president also linked his Gaza initiative to wider peace efforts, including the Russia–Ukraine war, suggesting that his administration seeks to resolve both longstanding conflicts. “I’m working hard on the Russian thing,” Trump said. “One’s been going on for three years, the other three thousand.”
Trump’s threat to resume Israeli military action if Hamas fails to disarm signals renewed US assertiveness in shaping the region’s postwar order. With fragile ceasefire terms and deep mistrust on both sides, the coming weeks will test whether Trump’s high-stakes peace plan can deliver lasting stability in Gaza — or reignite one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , CNN (2025)
Keywords: Trump, Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Ceasefire, Peace Plan
