Trump Signals Quick Move Toward Phase Two of Gaza Ceasefire, Issues Warning to Hamas

By: The Trek News Desk

US President Donald Trump has said he wants the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement to be implemented “very quickly,” while issuing a stern warning to Hamas, stating that failure to disarm within a limited timeframe would lead to serious consequences.

Trump made the remarks on Monday during talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. Addressing a joint press briefing, the US president claimed that Israel had fully complied with the peace framework, even as Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued.

Referring to Washington’s 20-point peace proposal, Trump stressed that the complete disarmament of Hamas remains a non-negotiable requirement. “Moving to phase two depends on one key condition: giving up weapons. If Hamas does not follow through, the outcome will be extremely severe,” he said.

The ceasefire plan, which came into force in October, outlines a second stage that includes the formation of a technocratic administration in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the disarmament of Hamas, and the start of large-scale reconstruction. Trump indicated that rebuilding efforts in the war-torn territory could begin in the near future.

However, critics argue that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government may attempt to slow the transition by demanding Hamas’ full disarmament before Israeli troops leave Gaza. Hamas, on the other hand, maintains that laying down arms should be linked to concrete steps toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

When asked whether Israel was delaying progress on the second phase, Trump dismissed the concern, saying he had no doubts about Israel’s actions. Instead, he suggested that the problem lay with parties who were not fulfilling their commitments under the agreement.

Since the ceasefire took effect, reports indicate that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the death toll has crossed 400. Israel has insisted that its forces have only responded to ceasefire violations.

Trump also adopted a tough stance on Iran during the discussions, warning that the United States could launch further strikes if Tehran resumes efforts to develop nuclear weapons or ballistic missile capabilities. Iranian leaders responded by cautioning that any attack on Iran would trigger an immediate and forceful retaliation.

Beyond Gaza, Trump and Netanyahu discussed wider regional issues, including Syria and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. Trump expressed hope that Israel could establish workable relations with Syria’s new leadership, noting that the US has recently lifted sanctions on Damascus.

Overall, Trump’s remarks underline Washington’s desire to accelerate the peace process in Gaza, while making it clear that Hamas’ disarmament is viewed as a central condition for moving forward.

Source: News Agencies

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