Trump Aims for Quick Phase Two in Gaza Ceasefire Discussions

Wed Dec 31 2025 03:09:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump expressed optimism about swiftly advancing to phase two of the Gaza ceasefire plan, emphasizing the need for Hamas to disarm.

During a press conference following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump articulated hopes of rapidly moving to phase two of the Gaza peace plan. He warned Hamas of severe consequences if they did not comply with disarmament terms. The U.S. President insisted that Israel had adhered fully to the peace agreement and threatened further action against Iran if they continued their nuclear endeavors, as tensions in the region persist.

Donald Trump said he hoped to reach phase two of the Gaza peace plan 'very quickly', as he warned Hamas would have 'hell to pay' if it did not disarm soon.

The US president, whose 20-point peace plan requires the militant group to disarm, made the comments as he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida for talks on Monday.

During a press conference with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump said Israel had 'lived up to the plan 100%', despite continuing attacks by its military in Gaza.

The US president also indicated that America could support another significant strike on Iran if it were to resume its ballistic missile or nuclear weapon programs.

Iran's supreme leader's top political adviser, Ali Shamkhani, responded to Trump's warnings on X stating that any aggression towards Iran would be met with an 'immediate harsh response'.

Trump asserted, 'As quickly as we can [move to phase two]. But there has to be disarmament.'

He stressed the necessity for Hamas to disarm 'in a fairly short period of time'. The Gaza peace plan, effective from October, outlines that a technocratic government would be established, Hamas would disarm, and Israeli troops would withdraw, allowing reconstruction efforts to commence.

Critics contend Netanyahu may aim to stall the process and argue for Hamas disarmament before troop withdrawal. Hamas leaders have maintained that any disarmament should coincide with progress toward an independent Palestinian state.

When questioned about potential delays from Israel, Trump expressed confidence that Israel adhered to the plan.

Since the ceasefire began, at least 414 Palestinians have reportedly died from Israeli military actions in Gaza, which the Israeli military attributes to ceasefire violations by Hamas.

Trump also reiterated that the US would act against Iran if it appeared to be re-establishing its nuclear capabilities, linking its past aggression towards Israeli territories.

During discussions, regional tensions, including relations with Syria and Hezbollah, were also addressed, with both leaders hopeful for stable borders and peace in complex geopolitical landscapes.