WASHINGTON / JERUSALEM( The COW News Digital) U.S. President Donald Trump warned in a television interview that he would permit Israel to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to meet the terms of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, sharply raising the prospect of renewed fighting in the densely populated territory.
Speaking to CNN, Trump said Hamas had so far failed to hand over the remains of most of the dead Israeli hostages and stressed that Israel would be allowed to “return to those streets” the moment he ordered it. “What’s going on with Hamas — that’ll be straightened out quickly,” he told the network, adding that Israeli forces could be sent back “as soon as I say the word.”
The remarks came amid a tense implementation phase of the ceasefire plan in which Hamas handed over a limited number of bodies and released dozens of living captives by a deadline, but several remains remained unaccounted for. Israeli authorities and forensic teams have reported that some coffins transferred under the agreement required verification and at least one returned body did not match listed hostages, fueling Israeli accusations of noncompliance.
Trump framed the ceasefire arrangement as a step that enjoyed broad international backing but conceded he had to persuade Israeli leaders — notably Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — to accept the terms. He warned that failure by Hamas to fully implement the deal, particularly on the return of bodies and disarmament commitments, would trigger a firm Israeli response.
Regional and humanitarian actors urged calm and continued negotiations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and mediators have been central to the handover process, which requires secure corridors and forensic verification before remains can be returned to families — a slow and sensitive operation in heavily damaged zones. Humanitarian organisations have warned that renewed combat would endanger civilians and further disrupt aid flows.
Israeli officials echoed Trump’s frustrations: several ministers publicly cautioned that any deliberate delay or partial compliance by Hamas would be treated as a breach warranting strong measures. Hamas’s armed wing said it was attempting to locate and transfer additional bodies but acknowledged logistical difficulties in devastated areas and blamed the chaos of conflict for delays.
Analysts said Trump’s public ultimatum increases pressure on mediators and risks hardening positions on both sides. With identification procedures ongoing and emotions running high in Israel over the fate of hostages, diplomats worry that the situation could quickly escalate if parties interpret non-compliance as grounds for renewed military action.
