Former U.S. President Donald Trump called on Hamas to hand over the bodies of Israeli soldiers it says were captured during the Gaza war. He said the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal begins “right now.”
During a briefing in Washington, Trump urged the Palestinian militant group to return the remains of the 38 Israeli soldiers that Israel says were taken in the July 7 attack. He added that “Israel and the United States have a very clear and fair deal” that Hamas must accept in order to move forward.
Trump echoed previous U.S. messages that the deal is already in motion. He said the United States would support “the next phase” of negotiations, but made it clear that Hamas must comply with the agreed terms, which include the return of the soldiers’ bodies. The former president also reaffirmed that any further progress depends on earlier commitments that Hamas is currently ignoring.
In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities have repeatedly demanded the return of the soldiers’ remains, saying it is a precondition for a wider prisoner‑exchange plan. The U.N. has called on all sides to honor the terms of the ceasefire agreement that was signed earlier this week after a brief pause in the fighting.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United Nations, allows a halt to hostilities, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and the start of talks for a larger peace deal. However, critics say the agreement is fragile and depends heavily on whether Hamas follows through on its commitments, including releasing Israeli prisoners and returning bodies.
The Trump administration’s statement also highlights the U.S. stance that any future steps require Hamas’ cooperation. Earlier this month, U.S. officials reiterated that the deal remains in place but can only move forward if all parties act in good faith.
As tensions remain high in Gaza and Israel, the next days will be crucial. Whether Hamas will comply with the U.S. call could shape the future of the ceasefire and set the tone for any longer‑term resolution.
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