The United States has intensified its pressure on Hamas to disarm as part of the next phase of a fragile Gaza ceasefire, with President Donald Trump vowing to enforce compliance through “fast, furious, and brutal force” if necessary. During his visit to Israel, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the truce was progressing “better than expected” but warned that Hamas would face total obliteration if it failed to cooperate.
Since the ceasefire began 11 days ago, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeated violations. The Gaza health ministry reports that Israel has killed at least 87 Palestinians since the truce took effect, while two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza. Despite tensions, Hamas told Turkish officials it remains committed to the deal, which Turkey helped broker alongside Egypt and Qatar.
Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan calls for Hamas to disarm, for Israel to gradually withdraw from Gaza, and for the creation of a pathway toward a Palestinian state. It also proposes an international technocratic administration for Gaza under U.S. oversight and a multinational peacekeeping force—excluding Hamas from governance.
Vance, who is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized that while Hamas members could be granted clemency, the group itself must relinquish its weapons. He also cautioned that the full implementation of the ceasefire and return of hostages’ bodies would be a long and complex process.
Meanwhile, aid is slowly increasing through Israeli-controlled crossings, though the UN World Food Programme said deliveries still fall short of the 2,000 tons needed daily. Violence continues near Gaza’s “yellow line” demarcation, with Israeli forces reportedly killing several Palestinians attempting to cross.
The Gaza health ministry said the total Palestinian death toll has reached 68,229 since the war began, while Israel maintains that Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken into Gaza.