Trump warns Israel could resume Gaza operations if Hamas fails terms

​​​​​​​US President Donald Trump has declared that Israel could restart military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to fulfill its obligations under the current ceasefire arrangement. During a CNN telephone interview Wednesday, Trump emphasized that "Israel will return to those streets as soon as I say the word" if the Palestinian group refuses to disarm or implement other agreed provisions.

Ceasefire enforcement warning

The president characterized hostage release as "paramount" while indicating Hamas must now complete its commitments regarding returning remaining captive remains and disarming its military capabilities. Trump noted he had personally restrained Israeli military action, stating "I had to hold them back" while suggesting Israel could "knock the crap out of them" if authorized to resume operations against Hamas forces in Gaza.

Hamas implementation efforts

Hamas confirmed Wednesday it would transfer two additional Israeli hostage remains later in the evening as part of the ceasefire implementation process. The group's Qassam Brigades stated they have "abided by what was agreed upon, delivering all living captives it held and all the bodies it was able to reach," while noting recovery of remaining bodies requires "significant effort and specialized equipment."

Agreement framework and context

The current ceasefire represents the initial phase of a comprehensive proposal Trump presented September 29, which included prisoner exchanges and eventual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The arrangement's second phase envisions establishing new Gaza governance excluding Hamas participation, creating a multinational stabilization force, and completing the group's disarmament following months of conflict that killed over 67,900 Palestinians.