Trump Announces ‘War is Over’ While Hamas Executes Rivals in Gaza to Reinforce Control
President Donald Trump declared “the war is over” during an address at Israel’s Knesset. This announcement followed the release of Israeli hostages, a significant milestone in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
Escalation in Gaza
Despite Trump’s assertion, tensions remain high in Gaza. Reports have emerged of Hamas executing opponents in Gaza City’s main square. Videos on social media corroborate this, depicting public executions as a means of reestablishing control through fear.
Local Reactions
- Mukhaimar Abu Saada, a political analyst from Gaza, describes the complexity of disarming Hamas. He notes that recent clashes highlight the challenges in achieving peace.
- A Gazan resident expressed skepticism about the war’s end, emphasizing the ongoing presence of gangs and a potentially fragmented Hamas.
- Another local emphasized the public’s exhaustion and desire for peace, expressing doubt about the future amid the current uncertainty.
Trump’s Peace Plan
Trump’s peace initiative, while halting immediate hostilities, is seen by some experts as merely a temporary pause. The plan involves multiple phases, including disarmament and deploying a stabilization force, which are yet to be implemented.
Hamas’s Continuing Influence
Abu Saada asserts that Hamas maintains control despite losses. The group is believed to have retained resources and manpower for future confrontations.
Hamas issued an ultimatum to collaborators with Israel, demanding their surrender by October 19, promising amnesty to those uninvolved in killings. This reflects a bid to consolidate power amidst internal fragmentation.
Geopolitical Implications
Jacob Olidort from the America First Policy Institute highlights Hamas’s growing political and military isolation. He emphasizes the potential for peace agreements between Israel and neighboring countries to overshadow Hamas’s defiance.
The Sharm el-Sheikh summit is expected to be pivotal, marking the second phase of Trump’s plan. It aims to align regional consensus against Hamas’s control of Gaza.
The Path Forward for Israel
For Israel, the focus is shifting towards restoring and expanding regional and global partnerships. Efforts will prioritize defense, commercial, and diplomatic ties, setting the groundwork for long-term peace.
As the ceasefire holds, attention turns to the next steps: disarmament and stabilization in Gaza. The effectiveness of these measures will determine the region’s ability to rebuild or risk returning to conflict.
