The U.S. Army Command in the Middle East on Wednesday called on Hamas to end its violence against civilians in the Gaza Strip and to disarm “without delay,” as the militant group seeks to regain control by deploying security forces and executing those it accuses of collaborating with Israel. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and several other countries.
The Palestinian group, which has not publicly pledged to disarm or relinquish power, has begun gradually returning its members to the streets of Gaza since the ceasefire took effect on Friday. Hamas has reportedly killed more than 30 members of a “gang” in Gaza City, a Palestinian security source told Reuters on Monday, without giving further details about the group.
Hamas has justified these actions on the grounds of maintaining security and combating crime. Cooper called on the militant group to “completely cease” its operations, to “strictly implement” U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, and to surrender its weapons immediately.
“We have conveyed our concerns to the mediators who have agreed to work with us to implement peace and to protect innocent civilians in Gaza,” he added.
The militant group’s security campaign came after Trump suggested that Hamas had been granted temporary permission to patrol in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said Hamas had killed “a number of gang members,” which, according to him, “did not bother” him.
Trump’s plan envisions the removal of Hamas from power in a demilitarized Gaza governed by a Palestinian committee under international supervision.
It also foresees the establishment of an international mission to train and support a Palestinian police force.
Under the leadership of CENTCOM, the U.S. is expected to deploy up to 200 troops to Israel to assist with stabilization efforts in Gaza. However, no American forces are expected to be stationed inside the Palestinian enclave.
“We call on Hamas to immediately stop the violence and the shooting against innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” said Commander Brad Cooper, head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
