Trump Demands Hamas Disarmament Amid Tensions Over Unreturned Bodies
Lots of eyes are on the Middle East now. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made a stark demand: Hamas must lay down its weapons—or face disarmament by force. This demand comes as tensions flare over the fact that some bodies of dead hostages have not yet been handed over. What does this mean for the fragile ceasefire? And what are the implications for peace in Gaza? In this article, we break it down in plain language.
Background: Hostages, Bodies, and Ceasefire
The Hostage Exchange
Recently, a ceasefire was brokered between Israel and Hamas under a U.S.-led peace plan. As part of that deal, Hamas released Israeli hostages, and Israel released Palestinian detainees.
However, the deal also required that all hostages — including deceased ones — have their bodies returned within 72 hours. Some of that has happened, but not all.
So far, Hamas has handed over four bodies of deceased hostages. But 24 bodies remain inside Gaza, not yet returned.
Why Bodies Matter
In many cultures — including in Israel — returning the remains of the dead is a deeply emotional and moral obligation. For the families, receiving the body allows funeral rites, closure, and respect.
Not returning them as promised is seen as breaking trust in the agreement.
The 20-Point Peace Plan (Phase One)
Trump’s plan for Gaza is structured in phases. The first phase included:
- A ceasefire
- Release of all living hostages
- Initial withdrawal of Israeli forces
- Entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza
But it also made the return of all deceased a condition. Since that condition is still unmet, the peace deal is under strain.
Trump’s Demand: Disarm or Be Disarmed
The Message
Trump has publicly stated: “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them.” He added that disarmament could happen “quickly and perhaps violently.”
He claims to have had communication, via intermediaries, with Hamas, indicating agreement. But those statements are disputed.
Why Disarmament?
Disarming Hamas is central to Trump’s plan. Without weapons, the group cannot wage attacks or intimidate. It also makes Israel more confident it can leave Gaza without risk.
The plan envisions a new security force and an international stabilization force to keep order while Hamas is disarmed.
Hamas’s Position
Hamas has so far said that handing over weapons is “out of the question.” They regard their arms as necessary for resistance, security, and deterrence.
Many in Hamas leadership view disarmament as effectively ending their political and military strength.
The Challenges of Recovery and Return of Bodies
Destruction, Ruins, and Chaos
Gaza has been heavily bombed and hammered by conflict. Many bodies may be buried under rubble, in collapsed buildings, or damaged so badly they are hard to identify. Locating and retrieving remains in such conditions is complex and dangerous.
Multiple Actors and Fragmented Control
Gaza is not uniformly controlled. Some areas are under Hamas, others under rival militias or factions. Coordinating recovery across fragmented zones is difficult.
Further, some hostages may have been moved by third parties.
Verification and Handovers
Even when bodies are found, identification (through DNA, forensics) and verification take time. Transfers require secure routes and neutral intermediaries (e.g. Red Cross).
All parties may seek guarantees against ambushes, misuse, or propaganda.
Political Leverage
Holding onto or delaying return of bodies can serve as bargaining chips in broader talks. Some parties may use it to extract concessions or to gain negotiating leverage.
International Reactions and Stakes
Regional & Global Concern
Countries in the Middle East, international organizations, and human rights groups are watching closely. Many support the idea of enforcing peace, but object to coercive use of force.
Any military action risks civilian harm and further destabilization.
Israel’s Response
Israel has suspended or reduced humanitarian aid into Gaza and kept border crossings closed in response to the missing bodies.
Its military posture remains cautious; authorities say they cannot fully withdraw until all conditions (including return of remains) are met.
Possible Role of an International Force
Trump’s plan suggests deploying a multinational “International Stabilization Force” (ISF) to maintain order while Hamas is disarmed and a new security apparatus is built.
Such a force could mitigate risks of a security vacuum after disarmament.
Risks of Forceful Disarmament
- Civilian casualties or unintended collateral damage
- Driving Hamas underground rather than eliminating influence
- Prompting backlash from Palestinian populations, Arab states
- Undermining legitimacy of any peace plan
What Comes Next: Risks and Scenarios
| Scenario | What Might Happen | Key Risk or Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Hamas agrees to gradual disarmament | It hands over some weapons, while local security forces (backed by ISF) take over | Better chance of a peaceful transition and trust-building |
| Standoff continues | Hamas refuses, Trump/Israel press ahead, diplomatic pressures intensify | Ceasefire unravels, violence resumes |
| Partial compliance with delays | Bodies trickle back slowly; arms reduced partially | Plan moves ahead slowly; risk of spoilers |
| Forced disarmament | Military operation to seize weapons | Direct conflict, civilian harm, radicalization surge |
Timing and Phases
Trump has already declared “Phase Two begins right now” in public remarks, signaling that disarmament is central to what comes next.
If Hamas fails to comply, escalation is possible.
Diplomatic Pressure & Incentives
International actors may push Hamas with incentives—reconstruction aid, political legitimacy—to encourage disarmament.
But they may also warn against violent enforcement that would escalate the conflict.
FAQ
Q1: Why can’t Hamas simply give up its weapons?
Hamas considers its weapons vital for defense, deterrence, and political power. Giving them up means losing security and influence. They often see disarmament as unacceptable.
Q2: Why is returning the bodies so important?
In many cultures, the return of remains is a moral and religious duty. Families need closure, and a party failing to return bodies is seen as breaking promises. It’s also a key condition in the peace agreement.
Q3: What is the International Stabilization Force (ISF)?
The ISF is a proposed multinational peace-keeping force designed to maintain order in Gaza after disarmament, train new security forces, and prevent a vacuum while political structures rebuild.
Q4: Could disarmament be done peacefully?
Yes, in theory. A phased, negotiated process—with confidence-building measures, monitoring, and guarantees—could reduce risk. But it depends on all parties cooperating.
Q5: What happens if disarmament fails?
If Hamas refuses and forceful disarmament is attempted, the ceasefire could collapse, fighting may resume, and the humanitarian situation would worsen. The plan would be at serious risk.
