The United States has rejected accusations that Hamas violated its ceasefire agreement with Israel, asserting that the slow handover of hostages’ bodies from Gaza was expected due to the challenging conditions on the ground. Senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration also confirmed that the U.S. is working with Israel to establish a safe zone for civilians fleeing areas under Hamas control.
Hamas ‘Honored the Deal,’ Says Trump Adviser
During a press briefing with reporters on Wednesday, a senior adviser to President Trump dismissed allegations that Hamas had failed to comply with the terms of the ceasefire.
“We’ve heard people say, ‘Hamas violated the deal because not all the bodies have been returned.’ Our understanding was that all live hostages would be released — and that commitment was honored,” the adviser said.
The official noted that while the retrieval of deceased hostages would take time, the process was proceeding in line with the U.S. expectations and the conditions outlined in the ceasefire framework.
Safe Zone Planned for Civilians Escaping Hamas
Two senior Trump advisers said Washington and Tel Aviv are coordinating plans to establish a safe zone inside Gaza, specifically in areas still controlled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The proposed area would serve as a refuge for Palestinian civilians seeking safety from possible Hamas reprisals.
They acknowledged that fully demilitarizing Gaza will be “a complex undertaking,” but added that limiting reconstruction to areas free from Hamas influence would help accelerate peace and stability in the region.
Global Support for Gaza Stabilization and Reconstruction
The advisers also disclosed that several countries have offered to contribute troops to an International Stabilization Force, which will replace Israeli forces in Gaza during the postwar transition. This initiative aligns with Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict.
They emphasized that Gazans will not be displaced during the rebuilding phase — a reversal from earlier U.S. positions that deemed Gaza “uninhabitable.”
Concluding the briefing, the advisers outlined efforts to form a technocratic transitional government to manage postwar Gaza, seeking participation from Palestinians abroad. While Trump’s peace plan includes a pathway toward potential Palestinian statehood, U.S. officials said discussions on that issue will take place “at a later stage.”
