WASHINGTON — The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) has called on Hamas to end its attacks on civilians in Gaza and to disarm “without delay,” as the group reasserts control in the territory by deploying armed forces and carrying out executions of alleged collaborators.

Since the ceasefire with Israel began on Friday, Hamas has redeployed its fighters across Gaza, citing a need to restore order amid widespread destruction. According to a Palestinian security source, the group has killed more than 30 people in Gaza City, labeling them members of a “criminal gang.” No further details about the group were provided.

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CENTCOM Condemns Violence

“We strongly urge Hamas to immediately suspend violence and shooting at innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” said Commander Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, in an official statement.

Cooper also pressed Hamas to comply fully with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and to surrender its weapons. “We have conveyed our concerns to mediators who are working with us to enforce the peace and protect innocent civilians,” he added.

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Conflicting Signals From Washington

The crackdown by Hamas comes days after Trump suggested that the U.S. had given the group temporary approval to police Gaza following the ceasefire. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said Hamas had “killed a number of gang members,” adding that the development “did not bother him.”

Under Trump’s proposal, Gaza would become a demilitarized zone governed by a Palestinian committee operating under international supervision. The plan envisions an international stabilization mission to help train and support a new Palestinian police force.

CENTCOM is expected to send up to 200 U.S. troops to Israel to assist with these efforts, though no American personnel will be deployed directly inside Gaza.