Trump Says Hamas Played ‘Big Factor’ in Hostage Returns, Signals Possible Disarmament

In a striking shift in tone, U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Hamas was a “big factor in the return of hostages from Gaza” and suggested the group “looks like [it] will disarm.” The comments came during a cabinet meeting, where U.S. officials outlined the next phase of a diplomatic strategy aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas.

President Trump’s remarks were supported by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who revealed that Phase II of the U.S.-led plan was already underway. Witkoff noted the formation of a “technocratic, all-Arab government” as part of the new structure to govern Gaza, replacing Hamas’s terror leadership. “We got the terrorists out of there, and they're going to demilitarize,” Witkoff said. “They will, because they have no choice.”

The statements hint at a major development in the region, as diplomatic and military pressures converge to isolate and neutralize Hamas’s militant capabilities. While skepticism remains in some corners, the possibility of Hamas being forced to disarm marks a dramatic departure from the longstanding status quo.

On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to act with precision under the terms of the ceasefire agreement. On Thursday, the military reported a targeted strike against a Hamas terrorist who was actively planning an imminent attack on Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza. The IDF emphasized that the strike was conducted in full compliance with the ceasefire, using accurate intelligence and precision munitions to minimize civilian casualties.

Later that evening, a second terrorist was eliminated after crossing the Yellow Line and approaching Israeli forces in a threatening manner. “The terrorist posed an immediate threat and was neutralized accordingly,” said the IDF.

These operations reflect Israel’s commitment to defending its troops while adhering to the ceasefire framework, striking only when a direct threat is confirmed and mitigated with strategic caution.

For Israel, any movement toward Hamas disarmament is a critical step toward long-term regional stability. While past declarations have often proven hollow, the current diplomatic and military posture suggests that Hamas may be cornered into compliance whether voluntarily or through necessity.

Israel remains alert, measured, and firm in its defense. And with strong coordination from allies, there may yet be a path to peace that prioritizes Israeli security and ensures that terror no longer takes root in Gaza.

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