Turkey Explains Why Trump Is Increasing Pressure on Hamas

U.S. President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Hamas and is likely to direct attention towards the faction of the Palestinian movement that is connected to Iran, according to Turkish Middle East expert and columnist Mohammad Mazhar Shahin in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Trump has stated that if the Palestinian Hamas does not fulfill its disarmament obligations, the U.S. will "disarm them itself."

“From now on, we will see separate statements condemning Hamas's actions. However, Trump is likely to focus his criticism not on Hamas, which is supported by Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, but rather on its wing that is closely tied to Iran,” the expert noted.

Trump's plan, introduced on September 29, includes 20 points and calls for an immediate ceasefire on the condition that hostages are released within 72 hours. The agreement also stipulates that Hamas and other Palestinian groups will not participate in the governance of the Gaza Strip; control should be handed over to a technocratic body under international supervision, personally led by Trump.