Trump's Shocking Nod to Hamas Rearming: "We Gave Them Approval" – Will the Gaza Ceasefire Survive the Chaos?

In a candid exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One on October 12, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed emerging reports of Hamas attempting to rearm and consolidate power in Gaza by eliminating rivals.

The comments come as Israel prepares for the initial release of hostages under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, with Trump en route to Israel to mark the agreement's implementation.

The president, responding to a question about Hamas rearming and "shooting rivals," stated, "We're aware... they do want to stop the problems and they have been open about it. And we gave them approval for a period of time."

Trump emphasized the heavy toll on Gaza, noting, "They've lost probably 60,000 people. That's a lot of retribution... the ones that are living right now were in many cases very young when this all started."

He highlighted the challenges of rebuilding in a "literally demolished" area with potentially fewer than 2 million residents returning, adding, "A lot of bad things can happen, so we want it to be safe. I think it's going to be fine."

Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire but stressed the need for unwavering U.S. support to ensure Hamas's full dismantlement. A Netanyahu advisor praised Trump's framework, noting it provides Israel with tools to address threats like rearming. However, concerns persist that temporary allowances for Hamas to maintain order could allow the group to regroup, as evidenced by reports of internal purges and arms smuggling.