Tel Aviv: During his flight to Israel, US President Donald Trump suggested that Hamas has been granted temporary approval to manage internal security operations in the Gaza Strip. The remarks came amid reports that the Palestinian militant group, which is required to disarm and relinquish its control over Gaza under Trump’s proposed plan to end the war, has deployed security forces to maintain order since the ceasefire took effect on Friday.
Hamas has stated that its internal security efforts are intended to prevent looting, lawlessness, and a potential security vacuum in areas devastated by conflict. Addressing questions from journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “They do want to stop the problems, and they’ve been open about it, and we gave them approval for a period of time.”
The US president also noted the challenges posed by reconstruction and resettlement in Gaza, home to nearly two million people returning to buildings damaged or destroyed during the conflict. “You have close to 2 million people going back to buildings that have been demolished, and a lot of bad things can happen. So we want it to be we want it to be safe. I think it’s going to be fine. Who knows for sure,” he added.
Trump’s comments highlight the delicate balance between enforcing a ceasefire and addressing the immediate humanitarian and security needs in Gaza. While Hamas’s long-term disarmament remains a central element of the proposed peace framework, authorities appear to be allowing the group temporary authority to maintain order during this transitional period, a decision that underscores the complexity of stabilising the enclave following prolonged hostilities.