President Donald Trump suggested that Hamas was given temporary approval to act as a Palestinian police force in Gaza, responding to reports of the group rearming itself. This statement was made en route to the Middle East, amidst the implementation of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace deal involving hostage exchanges and troop withdrawals. While the initial phase focused on these immediate actions, the long-term agreement calls for Hamas disarmament and non-participation in Gaza's governance. Negotiations for phase two of the peace plan have reportedly begun.
Meredith Deliso and Fritz FarrowResponding to a question about reports of Hamas rearming themselves, Trump said that"we gave them approval for a period of time." President Donald Trump implied Hamas has been given approval to act as a Palestinian police force in Gaza "for a period of time" in the wake of implementing phase one ofWhile en route to the Middle East earlier Monday aboard Air Force One, Trump responded to a question from a reporter about reports of Hamas rearming themselves.
"Well, they are standing because they do want to stop the problems, and they've been open about it, and we gave them approval for a period of time," Trump said. Hamas gunman stand in guard as ICRC vehicles transporting released Israeli hostages head toward the Israeli border in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.Trump continued that Palestinians are returning to buildings that have been destroyed, after two years of war, and "a lot of bad things can happen." "We want it to be safe. I think it's going to be fine. Who knows? Who knows for sure?" he said. "But I think it's going to be fine."first phase of the U.S.-brokered peace deal went into effect on Friday, calling for the return of all living and dead hostages in Gaza in exchange for the release of scores of Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area.calls for the disarmament of Hamas and stipulates the militant group cannot play a role in the future governance of Gaza, these points are not covered by the initial phase of the agreement. The final 20 remaining living hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, were returned to Israel on Monday as part of an exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, officials said. On Monday, Trump said negotiations on phase two of the peace plan for Gaza had "started," though he did not specify what that entailed. "I mean, it started as far as we're concerned," Trump said during remarks in Egypt, where he attended a signing ceremony after addressing the Israeli Knesset earlier in the day. "Phase two has started. And, you know, the phases are all a little bit mixed in with each other. You're gonna start cleaning up. You look at Gaza -- it needs a lot of cleanup."Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.
Donald Trump Hamas Gaza Peace Deal Hostage Exchange
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jake Sullivan begrudgingly credits Trump for Israel-Hamas breakthrough, claims Biden had similar planFamilies of Hamas hostages thank President Trump for brokering Gaza peace plan
Read more »
Hillary Clinton heaps rare praise on President Trump for handling of Israel-Hamas peace deal: 'I really commend'Families of Hamas hostages thank President Trump for brokering Gaza peace plan
Read more »
Live updates: Trump, world leaders sign Gaza peace deal after Hamas frees all living hostagesPresident Trump got a standing ovation after addressing Israeli lawmakers following Hamas' release of all living hostages under the Gaza peace deal.
Read more »
Trump implies Hamas given approval to act as police force for 'a period of time'Trump made the remarks while en route to the Middle East.
Read more »
Trump Implies Hamas Granted Approval for Palestinian Police Role in GazaPresident Trump suggested Hamas was given temporary approval to act as a Palestinian police force in Gaza, amidst the initial phase of a U.S.-brokered peace deal. He made the comment while discussing reports of Hamas rearming, as the final hostages were returned and negotiations for the second phase of the peace plan began.
Read more »
Israel-Hamas: Read Donald Trump’s Peace Declaration for the War in GazaA Peace Declaration has been signed by President Donald Trump and other leaders.
Read more »