 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
The US military’s West Asia command on Wednesday called on Hamas to immediately stop targeting civilians in Gaza and disarm “without delay,” as the militant group consolidates its presence by deploying security forces and executing individuals it considers collaborators with Israel.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect on Friday, Hamas has not publicly committed to ceding power. The group has gradually returned its personnel to Gaza’s streets, maintaining law-and-order measures while asserting control over the enclave.
According to a Palestinian security source, Hamas has killed more than 30 members of a “gang” in Gaza City, though the group did not specify which gang. Authorities cited crime and security concerns as justification, even as thousands of Palestinians return to northern Gaza, which remains devastated by recent conflict.
Commander Brad Cooper, head of the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM), emphasised the urgency of halting violence against civilians. “We strongly urge Hamas to immediately suspend violence and shooting at innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” Cooper said in a statement, calling for strict adherence to President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan and the complete laying down of arms.
Since the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza under the US-backed 20-point ceasefire deal, Hamas has been tightening its grip on ruined cities, launching a crackdown and executing people in the street.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts”We have conveyed our concerns to the mediators who agreed to work with us to enforce the peace and protect innocent Gaza civilians,” he said.
The security crackdown by the militant group came after Trump suggested Hamas had been given a temporary green light to police Gaza.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said Hamas had killed ”a number of gang members,” which he said did not bother him.
Trump’s plan foresees Hamas out of power in a demilitarised Gaza run by a Palestinian committee under international supervision. It calls for the deployment of an international stabilisation mission that will train and support a Palestinian police force.
Led by CENTCOM, the US is expected to deploy up to 200 troops to Israel to help with stabilisation efforts in Gaza. However, no Americans are expected to be deployed into the Palestinian enclave.
With inputs from agencies
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