K-Defense Industry. [Photo Source: Yonhap News]
Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on disarming the Palestinian militant group Hamas, defense stocks are on the rise.
As of 10:50 a.m. on the 15th, Hyundai Rotem is trading at 214,000 won, up 12,500 won (6.19%) from the previous day.
Hanwha Systems also increased by 2,000 won (3.88%) to 53,500 won during the same period, and LIG Nex1 rose by 8,000 won (1.79%) to 454,500 won. Other defense stocks are also showing strong performance, with Hanwha Aerospace rising by 8,000 won (0.86%) and Poongsan by 4,200 won (3.30%).
This trend is believed to be influenced by President Trump’s remarks on the 14th (local time) directed at Hamas, saying, “If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them.”
President Trump stated, “They said themselves they would disarm,” and added, “If they don’t disarm, we will. It won’t take long, and it may be violent.”
In earlier developments, as Israel and Hamas negotiated over the Gaza ceasefire proposal put forth by President Trump, 20 Israeli hostages who had been kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza were released the previous day. Israel also released about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
However, there are still significant differences in opinions regarding the second stage of the ceasefire agreement, which involves the disarmament of Hamas, phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a Palestinian civil government. Moreover, while Hamas agreed to return 28 hostage bodies, only four have been handed over so far.