Ceasefire on brink? Trump’s Gaza remarks stirs global alarm

Former US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning, declaring that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas should be scrapped if the militant group fails to release the remaining hostages by midday on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after signing a series of executive orders, Trump stated, “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out.” He also raised concerns that some of the captives scheduled for release might already be dead. However, he acknowledged that the final decision rests with Israel. “I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”

Trump’s vision of US ‘Owning’ Gaza sparks controversy

Trump’s remarks come amid mounting controversy over his recent suggestion that the United States should assume control of Gaza. The former president’s comments contradicted statements from his administration, which maintained that any relocation of Palestinians would only be temporary.

Last week, Trump floated a controversial proposal to take Gaza under the American flag, transforming it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He has ramped up pressure on Arab allies—particularly Jordan and Egypt—to accept Palestinian refugees, despite widespread opposition. “We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is,” Trump said in an interview. He further added, “I would own this,” describing Gaza as a real estate development project. “It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”

Strong backlash from Arab nations

Trump’s proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Arab leaders, with Jordan and Egypt expressing serious security concerns about absorbing additional refugees. The former president is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday, amid growing diplomatic tensions. Aside from fears that the plan could derail a two-state solution, regional leaders worry about the social and security implications of a mass Palestinian exodus. Arab nations have firmly rejected Trump’s vision, dismissing it as impractical and a threat to long-term peace.

Ceasefire at risk amid Trump’s comments

Trump’s remarks have added further strain to the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has brought temporary relief to the 15-month-long war in Gaza. His proposal has also raised questions about America’s role in the region, with concerns that his rhetoric could escalate tensions. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have since clarified that Trump’s vision of relocating Gazans is “temporary,” meant to facilitate reconstruction efforts and the clearing of unexploded ordnance. Despite this, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of deploying American troops to “secure” the region—while simultaneously insisting that no US funds would be allocated for Gaza’s rebuilding.

Hamas responds: ‘Absurd and ignorant’

Hamas has strongly condemned Trump’s statements, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq calling them “absurd.” He accused Trump of lacking an understanding of Palestinian history and dismissed his approach as a “real estate mentality.” “Dealing with the Palestinian cause with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure. Our Palestinian people will thwart all transfer and deportation plans,” al-Rishq asserted.