US President Donald Trump says he hopes to move to phase two of the Gaza ceasefire “very quickly,” while warning Hamas it will face severe consequences if it fails to disarm.
Trump makes the remarks during talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday, stressing that disarmament of Hamas is a core requirement of his 20-point peace plan. Speaking at a joint press conference, he says Israel has “lived up to the plan 100%,” despite ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
“If they don’t disarm, as they agreed to do, there will be hell to pay,” Trump says, adding that Hamas must give up its weapons “in a fairly short period of time.” He also suggests that reconstruction in Gaza could begin soon if the next phase proceeds.
The Gaza peace plan, which took effect in October, outlines a second phase in which Hamas disarms, Israeli forces withdraw, and a technocratic administration is established to govern the territory ahead of reconstruction. Critics, however, argue Netanyahu may seek to delay troop withdrawals while pressing Hamas to disarm first.
Hamas officials have countered that full disarmament should be linked to concrete steps toward the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Trump dismisses concerns that Israel is stalling, saying he is focused on whether “other people” are meeting their obligations.
Since the ceasefire began, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel says its forces have responded only to ceasefire violations and blames Hamas for the deaths of three Israeli soldiers during the same period.
Trump also issues a renewed warning to Iran, saying the US would support further strikes if Tehran resumes rebuilding its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes. He claims Iran may be using new sites after US strikes in June that he says “obliterated” its nuclear facilities. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and vows a “harsh response” to any renewed aggression.
Talks between Trump and Netanyahu also cover broader regional tensions, including Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump expresses hope that Israel can work with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite Israel’s deep suspicions of the former Islamist militant leader.
Netanyahu says Israel wants stability along its northern borders, while Trump insists the US remains committed to reshaping the regional order through diplomacy backed by force.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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