Perpetual peace or use of force: Trump gives Hamas 48 hours to hand over hostages
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump declared that a strong peace has been established in the Middle East, one that is "everlasting". At the same time, he warned Hamas of consequences if the group fails to return the bodies of hostages, according to the president’s post on Truth Social.
"We have a very strong peace in the Middle East, and I believe it has a good chance of being everlasting," Trump stated.
Trump said that Hamas must begin returning the bodies of deceased hostages as soon as possible, including those of two American citizens.
"Or the other Countries involved in this great peace will take action," the US President warned.
Trump noted that while some of the bodies are difficult to retrieve, others could be returned immediately, yet Hamas "for some reason" is not doing so. He suggested this may be related to the group’s disarmament and hinted that Hamas has 48 hours to make its decision.
"Perhaps it has to do with their disarming, but when I said, 'Both sides would be treated fairly,' that only applies if they comply with their obligations. Let’s see what they do over the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely," Trump concluded.
In October, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to end the war in Gaza, under a plan developed by the United States. Its gradual implementation is currently underway.
According to Axios, US officials believe the next 30 days will be critical for implementing Trump’s peace deal.
A few days ago, Trump also stated that US allies in the Middle East and beyond are ready to send troops to the Gaza Strip to restore order, emphasizing that Hamas still has time to correct its course.
Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in Israel, expressing optimism about maintaining the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
