Ceasefire in Gaza: Trump Threatens Hamas with Disarmament amid Calls for Accountability
In an escalating turn of events following the Gaza ceasefire, US President Donald Trump has demanded that Hamas must disarm or face the threat of forced disarmament. This comes amidst the backdrop of widespread criticism of Israel's actions during the conflict and calls for accountability.
Background
The recent ceasefire marked the end of a devastating conflict that saw widespread damage and loss of life in Gaza. The war began with the invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and other Gazans on October 7, 2023, and rapidly escalated when Hezbollah initiated attacks on Israel the following day.
Colombian President Petro criticized the delivery of weapons to Israel while atrocities were committed, labeling the events as genocide
. Meanwhile, Israel's military chief, Eyal Zamir, acknowledged the failure of the army to protect the country and its citizens.
Key Developments
As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israel returned nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Despite this, President Trump has insisted that Hamas must disarm or be prepared to face the consequences. "If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them. And it will happen quickly and perhaps violently,” Trump said during meetings with reporters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump's sentiments, declaring that if Hamas does not disarm, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will return.
However, the President also clarified that US troops would not be involved in disarming Hamas or any military activity in Gaza. Instead, the US would send 200 troops to Israel to monitor the ceasefire agreement.
Reactions and Implications
The demand for Hamas' disarmament has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a necessary step towards lasting peace, others question the practicality and potential consequences of such an action.
Amidst these developments, there have been calls for accountability for the widespread damage and loss of life during the war. A report from UNICEF indicated that 90% of homes in Gaza were damaged or destroyed during the conflict, rendering a significant portion of the population homeless.
In addition, human rights groups in the US have condemned Israel's illegal abduction, detention, and mistreatment of journalists
. There are also concerns over the treatment of Palestinians who remain in Israeli custody despite the recent prisoner exchange.
Current Status
As the ceasefire holds, the situation remains tense with new confrontations looming. Palestinians have been urged to seize the moment to reclaim their future, yet the path to a genuine liberation remains unclear. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has reportedly raided the homes of several Palestinian prisoners set to be released in an exchange deal following the ceasefire, further straining the fragile peace.
The recent developments underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict. As the dust settles on the ceasefire, the region faces the daunting task of navigating the path towards a lasting and just peace.