Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The ceasefire in Gaza is beginning to look increasingly shaky.
US-President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Hamas, threatening to deploy American troops to Gaza if killings by the militant group persist. The statement comes just days after Trump returned from Egypt, where world leaders praised him for brokering a fragile ceasefire that has so far held.
The American leader’s remarks appeared to be spurred by growing frustration in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced anger over Hamas’s refusal to return the bodies of slain Israeli hostages, a move that has stirred outrage in Jerusalem.
Trump took to Truth Social, warning that if Hamas continues its attacks, “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” signaling that his administration’s tolerance for Hamas’s actions is wearing thin.
The Israeli premier recently warned that Israel “knows how to act accordingly” if the group fails to return the remains. Analysts say the synchronized rhetoric suggests a rare alignment between the two leaders on the use of force should the ceasefire collapse.
Ceasefire deal under strain
The fragile truce was hailed as a breakthrough when signed last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Brokered under Trump’s “Comprehensive End of Gaza War” framework, the agreement demanded an immediate halt to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces within 24 hours of approval.
It also required Hamas to release dozens of hostages—both living and deceased—under international supervision. In return, Israel agreed to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including both security detainees and civilians, while reopening the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.
The IDF pulled back from front-line positions on October 10, and Hamas handed over several hostages by October 13. Trump declared “the war is over” as he traveled to Israel to witness the exchange ceremonies.
Yet despite early success, tensions have persisted. Disagreements over compliance and delays in the release of all bodies have cast doubt on the truce’s durability. Reports from the region indicate sporadic violence, prompting fears that the ceasefire could unravel without stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Rising uncertainty
To safeguard the agreement, a multinational task force was created, featuring the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and other mediating nations. Their mission is to monitor both sides’ adherence to the terms, coordinate prisoner exchanges, and facilitate the continued flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. The group’s involvement was designed to prevent unilateral action and ensure transparency.
However, with fresh threats from Trump and renewed anger in Israel, the task force faces mounting challenges. Any escalation could draw the U.S. deeper into the conflict—a scenario Washington had sought to avoid through its mediation efforts.
Analysts warn that the president’s statements may harden positions rather than foster calm.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
