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Published : 16 Oct 2025, 09:21 PM
US President Donald Trump has warned that Israel could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to meet the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Speaking to CNN, Trump said Israeli forces could return to the streets “as soon as I say the word”.
In the brief telephone interview on Wednesday, the president said the situation with Hamas would be resolved quickly.
Israel accuses Hamas, which the US government designates as a terrorist group, of not handing over all hostages, alive and dead, as required by the ceasefire deal.
Israel has informed the United Nations that humanitarian aid to Gaza is being delayed because Hamas has not fully complied with the agreement. Despite this, the ceasefire remains in place.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan says in its fourth point that Hamas must return all hostages, both living and dead, within 72 hours after Israel publicly accepts the agreement.
As of Wednesday morning, 20 living hostages had been freed, while Hamas had handed over eight bodies -- one of which the Israeli military said was not an Israeli national.
More bodies are expected to be returned soon, according to sources.
Trump said rescuing the living hostages was “extremely important”. He, however, expressed doubt that Hamas is intentionally violating the ceasefire terms.
Through third-party mediators, Hamas has assured it is making every effort to locate all missing bodies.
US officials noted that many bodies may still be buried under rubble following two years of conflict.
Recent days have seen growing violence inside Gaza, with reports of clashes between Hamas and rival factions, including incidents of public executions.
Previously, Trump warned that if Hamas does not disarm, “we will disarm them”.
The sixth point of Trump’s peace plan offers amnesty to Hamas members who return all hostages, disarm, and agree to peaceful coexistence. Those wishing to leave Gaza will be allowed safe passage.
When CNN asked what would happen if Hamas refuses to disarm, Trump said: “I’m thinking about it. I say the word, and Israel will be back on the streets. If Israel can go in, they will finish the job.”
He added, “I have had to stop them (Israeli forces and Netanyahu’s government). I spoke directly to ‘Bibi’ about this.”
Despite the tensions, President Trump remains optimistic about future peace efforts.
He noted, “Fifty-nine countries are part of this. We’ve never seen anything like this. Now it’s all happening. They want to be part of the Abraham Accords. Now that Iran isn’t a problem.”
Trump also said he is working on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit the White House on Friday.
“I am working hard on the Russia situation,” he said. “Which will be the bigger achievement -- peace in the Middle East or peace between Russia and Ukraine? I am thinking about that.”
