A fragile peace deal for Gaza is being held together by one of the starkest threats in modern diplomacy: President Donald Trump’s warning to Hamas of “complete obliteration.” This ultimatum serves as the primary enforcement mechanism for an agreement that otherwise relies on the word of bitter enemies.
While Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of a deal that is “90 per cent done” and based on mutual agreement, it is Trump’s threat that provides the crucial element of compulsion. It transforms the agreement from a voluntary pact into a mandatory course of action for Hamas.
The threat is tied to two conditions: Hamas must follow through on the release of hostages, and it must ultimately relinquish control of Gaza. This makes it clear that the deal is not just a ceasefire but a pathway to fundamentally altering the power structure in the region.
This hardline approach is controversial but appears effective in the short term, having brought Hamas to a point where they have “basically” accepted the deal’s terms. The militant group is faced with a choice between cooperation and annihilation, a powerful incentive to comply with the logistical steps now being discussed.
As the world hopes for peace, the uncomfortable reality is that this hope is currently guaranteed by a threat of overwhelming force. The long-term stability of the region will depend on whether this enforced peace can transition into a more genuine and sustainable resolution.