Days into the fragile Gaza truce, the U.S. is turning up the heat on Hamas to disarm or face consequences. President Donald Trump warned of "fast, furious and brutal force" if the group fails to comply with the next phase of the ceasefire.
Visiting Israel this week, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the agreement was holding up better than expected but cautioned that Hamas risked destruction if it didn't cooperate. The comments echo Trump's earlier threat and signal Washington's push for a truce that does more than pause the conflict.
Despite 11 days of reduced fighting, both sides report violations. Gaza's health ministry says at least 87 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, while Israel reported two soldiers killed in skirmishes in southern Gaza. Disputes over aid deliveries, border openings, and the return of hostage remains have fueled mutual accusations.
Meanwhile, Hamas delegates in Ankara told Turkish authorities they remain committed to the ceasefire, blaming Israel for "repeated violations" but insisting they will honor the deal. As diplomats work behind the scenes, the coming days will test whether this truce can lead to lasting calm or spiral back into full-scale conflict.
For young global citizens tracking the next moves, the stakes are high: will diplomatic pressure and data-driven oversight pave a path to peace, or will swift actions on the ground reignite hostilities?
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Trump threatens Hamas amid push towards next steps of Gaza truce
cgtn.com
