Donald Trump has claimed that several Arab nations are poised to enter Gaza with substantial military force to combat Hamas, pending his approval. He shared these assertions on his Truth Social account, describing enthusiastic offers from unnamed “great allies” in the Middle East and surrounding regions. These nations, he stated, would welcome the chance to “straighten out Hamas” if the group violates its commitments.
Although the specific countries were not disclosed, Trump voiced appreciation for Indonesia and its leadership’s contributions to the Middle East and the US. This announcement coincides with a precarious ceasefire that is showing signs of collapse. While Indonesia has expressed readiness to deploy peacekeepers, no country has officially committed to direct military engagement with Hamas.
Trump painted a picture of widespread regional support, exclaiming, “The love and spirit for the Middle East has not been seen like this in a thousand years!” He revealed that he had urged these nations and Israel to hold back for the moment, suggesting that Hamas might still comply with agreements. He concluded with a stark warning: “If they do not, an end to Hamas will be FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL!”
The ceasefire, purportedly brokered by Trump’s team, is under immense strain. Since its inception on October 10, Israel has reported casualties among Palestinians near military zones, many of which are not clearly demarcated. The promised flow of humanitarian aid has been drastically reduced. Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that only 986 aid trucks have entered, far short of the 6,600 promised. Recent Israeli airstrikes, following the deaths of two Israeli soldiers, have further intensified the conflict and halted aid, with Israel blaming Hamas, a claim Hamas denies, suggesting an accidental detonation of an unexploded shell.
The complex issue of Gaza’s future leadership remains unresolved. Trump’s insistence on Hamas disarming is countered by the group’s demand for statehood as a condition. US Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Israel, acknowledged the absence of a “hard timeline” for disarmament and stressed the need for a new “security infrastructure.” He also addressed the grim reality of searching for Israeli hostages, many of whom are feared to be deceased and buried under debris.
A new US military facility, the Civilian Military Co-operation Centre (CMCC), has been inaugurated in Israel. This US-led hub, staffed by around 200 American troops, is intended to manage the coordination of reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Despite assurances that US personnel will not enter Gaza, the establishment of the CMCC signifies a substantial US commitment to regional security and stabilization efforts. Trump’s latest pronouncements evoke his signature style, casting himself as a central figure orchestrating regional dynamics.