President Donald Trump issued a pointed warning Wednesday, stating that Israeli military operations in Gaza could resume “as soon as I say the word” if Hamas fails to fully comply with the terms of a fragile ceasefire agreement.

His remarks come amid growing tensions over the delayed return of deceased hostages, a key component of the U.S.-brokered truce.

Speaking to CNN by phone, Trump emphasized that while 20 living Israeli captives have been released since Monday, only eight bodies have been repatriated. Israeli officials have raised concerns about the pace of the handovers, disputing the identity of one individual and expecting four to five additional transfers by Wednesday evening, according to sources close to the mediation process.

The president, who has hailed the ceasefire as a “paramount” diplomatic achievement, dismissed reports of Hamas executing suspected collaborators, characterizing the actions as internal purges. He cited Point 6 of his proposed 20-point “Trump Peace Agreement,” which offers amnesty to Hamas members who disarm and commit to peace, while providing safe passage for others.

“If Hamas refuses to comply, Israel will return to those streets.” - Trump

U.S. officials have sought to temper the rhetoric, asserting that Hamas—through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries—is making a concerted effort to locate and return remains, with American intelligence assisting in the process. 

Trump expressed optimism about the broader impact of the deal, claiming support from 59 nations, including signatories of the Abraham Accords. He contrasted the Middle East initiative with ongoing efforts in Ukraine, ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled visit to the White House on Friday. “One’s been going on for three years, the other three thousand,” Trump remarked.

The White House also criticized media coverage of the ceasefire, with Trump suggesting a potential shift toward CBS for “fairer” reporting and contemplating a one-on-one interview with CNN—his first since 2016.