Trump Aims for Quick Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two

Trump Warns Hamas on Disarmament

Donald Trump has expressed his hope to reach the "very soon" phase two of the peace plan for Gaza, while warning that Hamas will have "to pay" if it does not disarm quickly. The President of the United States, whose 20-point peace plan mandates the disarmament of the militant group, made these comments during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday.

During a press conference, Trump stated that Israel has adhered to the plan "100%", despite ongoing attacks by its military in Gaza. The American President also noted that the United States could support another major attack against Iran if it resumes its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs.

When asked how quickly Hamas and Israel should move towards the second phase of the peace plan, Trump replied: "As quickly as possible. But there must be disarmament." Referring to Hamas, he said: "If they do not disarm, as they agreed, they will have to pay. They need to disarm within a relatively short period of time."

Trump added that reconstruction in Gaza could "begin quite soon". The peace plan for Gaza went into effect in October. According to the second phase, a technocratic government is to be established in the territory, Hamas is required to disarm, and Israeli troops must withdraw, after which the reconstruction of Gaza will commence.

Critics have suggested that Netanyahu may want to delay the plan's process and insist that Hamas disarm before Israeli troops withdraw. The Israeli Prime Minister has been accused of not wanting to seriously engage in the issue of a political future for Palestinians. Hamas officials have stated that complete disarmament should occur alongside progress towards an independent Palestinian state.

When asked if he is concerned that Israel is not moving swiftly enough towards the second phase of the plan, Trump asserted that Israel "has followed the plan". "I am not worried about what Israel is doing, but rather about what others may or may not do." Since the ceasefire began, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, according to Hamas-led health ministry data. The Israeli army, which controls more than half of Gaza, has claimed it opened fire only in response to violations of the ceasefire.