Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, has accused former United States President Donald Trump of emboldening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to disregard the terms of the Gaza ceasefire and tighten the siege on the strip. The allegations came in response to a series of provocative social media posts by Trump, who issued stern warnings to Hamas while pledging unwavering support to Israel.
“Trump’s repeated threats against our people represent support for Netanyahu to evade the agreement and tighten the siege and starvation against our people,” Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanou said on Thursday, as reported by the Reuters news agency. Al-Qanou emphasized that such actions undermine efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict, particularly regarding the release of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas.
The Hamas spokesperson urged adherence to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which was brokered under the sponsorship of international mediators. “The best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by… going into the second phase and compelling [Israel] to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of mediators,” he stated. al-Qanou’s statements also reflected the discontent of the group against the lopsided implementation of the deal, which has worsened because of external influences such as Trump.
Trump’s new words have widely attracted people because they tend to be aggressive and sound as though he is coming out strong in favor of Israel. In a flurry of posts on social media on Wednesday, the former U.S. president demanded that Hamas “release all of the hostages now, not later,” including the remains of deceased captives, warning that failure to comply would result in dire consequences. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” Trump declared.
Beyond Hamas
His statements extended beyond Hamas to address the broader population of Gaza, whom he warned of severe repercussions if the group does not capitulate. “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” Trump wrote, employing dramatic language that has become a hallmark of his communication style.
Critics see Trump’s communications as giving Netanyahu political support for Gaza operations while he intends to pressure Hamas. The rhetoric follows a pattern which Israel has used throughout history to support its activities in territories it controls. The words from Trump have worsened the plight of Palestinians under blockade because they have received the interpretation that these declarations solidify their existing hardships by progressively restricting basic access and economic development.
The people who reside in Gaza experience the longest running humanitarian emergency which continues to generate enduring shortages of necessities like food and water and electricity and medical supplies. Multiple human rights groups keep denouncing this blockade because it functions as illegal mass punishment according to international law. Fears have increased after Trump’s involvement because it might worsen the current dire circumstances.
Critics say the former president’s approach is part of a larger trend of prioritizing military engagement over diplomatic engagement, even, at times, threatening civilian populations. Framed in terms of an immaculate Israel facing off against an evildoing Hamas, Trump’s rhetoric threatens to oversimplify a tragically complexity that is rooted in decades of historical grievances and territorial disputes.
With tensions remaining on edge, international stakeholders are increasingly calling for restraint and dialogue. But with powerful leaders such as Trump ramifying hard-line positions, hopes for de-escalation grow ever dimmer. For the time being, those living in Gaza are stuck in the crossfire, their hopes for respite dependent on decisions made outside their borders.
