A ceasefire is in effect in Gaza, but tensions persist. Following the Egypt conference, US President Trump warned that if Hamas does not lay down its weapons, it will be forced to do so. He stated that the US will now play an active role in the peace process.
Gaza Ceasefire: The two-year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas has temporarily ceased. A ceasefire is in effect in Gaza, and the first phase of the peace agreement has begun. However, conditions are not entirely normal. Amidst this, US President Donald Trump delivered a b message to Hamas following the Gaza peace conference in Egypt. He stated that if Hamas does not relinquish its weapons, it will be compelled to do so.
Trump Issues Clear Warning
US President Donald Trump stated that America supports peace but will not tolerate terrorism. He unequivocally declared, “Hamas must now lay down its weapons. If they do not, we will force them to do so. Sooner or later, it will happen.”
Trump informed that he had conveyed this message to Hamas through mediators. He said, “I asked Hamas, 'You will lay down your weapons, won't you?' And they replied, 'Yes sir, we will lay down our weapons.' If they break their promise, the consequences will be severe.”
Major Statement After Gaza Peace Conference
Trump made this statement after the Gaza peace conference held in Egypt. Leaders from several countries were present at this conference, including representatives from Egypt, Jordan, and the United Nations. The objective of this conference was to restore peace in Gaza and take concrete steps towards the rehabilitation of war-affected citizens.
First Success of Ceasefire, But Challenges Remain
Under the ceasefire implemented on Friday, Hamas released 20 living hostages. Additionally, on Monday, it handed over the remains of 4 deceased hostages. This step is part of the first phase of the agreement. However, the situation in Gaza remains tense.
The disarmament of Hamas is one of the key conditions in the 20-point peace plan drafted by the United States. This step is considered crucial for establishing permanent peace in the future.
Despite the Gaza peace agreement, several issues remain unresolved. Among these, the biggest questions are the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza. Will Palestine be recognized as an independent nation? Will Israel be prepared to offer security guarantees? Answers to these questions are still pending.
Trump's Peace Policy or Strategic Pressure?
The Trump administration's stance towards Hamas has always been firm. In his statement, he said that America would advance the global campaign against terrorism. Trump stated, “We want peace, but there is no place for terrorism. If Hamas does not surrender its weapons, they will face the might of America.”
How Did the War Begin?
This conflict between Hamas and Israel began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza.
In this conflict between both sides, over 67,000 people have been killed so far, most of whom are civilians. Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed, and millions are homeless.
