US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened Hamas with “fast, furious and brutal” force if the group does not “do what is right,” signaling his push for a more complex phase of the Gaza ceasefire that has already faced multiple breaches.
In the Truth Social post, Trump said: “Numerous of our NOW GREAT ALLIES in the Middle East, and areas surrounding the Middle East, have explicitly and strongly, with great enthusiasm, informed me that they would welcome the opportunity, at my request, to go into GAZA with a heavy force and “straighten our Hamas” if Hamas continues to act badly, in violation of their agreement with us.”
Trump further added that he had advised his allies, along with Israel, to hold off for now.
“I told these countries, and Israel, “NOT YET!” There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right. If they do not, an end to Hamas will be FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL! I would like to thank all of those countries that called to help,” he said.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the truce over the past eight days, with disputes over the return of hostage bodies, aid deliveries, and border openings.
JD Vance in Israel
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Talks are expected to focus on Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which aims to advance beyond the current fragile truce and tackle more challenging measures, including Hamas’ disarmament and steps toward a Palestinian governance framework.
The visit follows Monday’s meetings between Netanyahu and US envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as Hamas representatives hold discussions in Cairo. Israel is pressing for firm guarantees on disarmament, which Hamas has so far refused to commit to, according to sources.
Hamas’ delegation in Cairo, led by exiled leader Khalil al-Hayya, is also negotiating next steps for the truce, post-war arrangements in Gaza, and stabilisation of the current ceasefire. Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, met Netanyahu to discuss advancing the ceasefire plan and is scheduled to meet Witkoff, according to Egyptian media.
Qatar, another key mediator, accused Israel of “continuous violations,” highlighting the truce’s fragility. Turkey has also played a significant role in liaising with Hamas.
Future role of Hamas
Trump’s ceasefire plan proposes the creation of a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by an international board, with no governance role for Hamas. A Palestinian official close to the talks said Hamas supports such a committee as long as it consents and aligns with the Palestinian Authority and other factions.
Senior Hamas official Mohammed Nazzal has indicated the group expects to maintain a security role in Gaza during an interim period. The group has also clashed with rival gangs and executed suspected collaborators, actions that the US military has urged Hamas to halt immediately.
Hostage returns and aid deliveries
Hayya reaffirmed Hamas’ commitment to the truce, including the return of hostage bodies. Another hostage body was handed over late Monday, with two more expected on Tuesday, leaving 13 still in Gaza. Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies, bringing the total to 165.
Aid deliveries continued through two Israeli-controlled crossings, but agencies warn that the flow remains insufficient. The UN World Food Programme said daily supplies remain far below the 2,000-ton target, with the famine-hit north of Gaza yet to receive assistance.
Violence along the ‘Yellow Line’
Since the ceasefire, most violence has occurred near the “yellow line” marking Israel’s military pullback. The Gaza health ministry reported at least seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since the war began to 68,229. Israeli bulldozers are placing yellow concrete blocks to better demarcate the line.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the conflict, killed approximately 1,200 people, with another 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures.
