Trump Presses Gaza Deal Phase Two, Warns Hamas to Disarm Fast
30th Dec. 2025
Donald Trump has said that he wants the second phase of the Gaza peace plan to begin “very quickly”. He also warned Hamas that there would be a “hell to pay” if it failed to disarm within a short timeframe. The US president has made these remarks during the talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. It happens as regional tensions remain high and fighting continues in Gaza despite a ceasefire framework.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Monday, Trump insisted that Israel had “lived up to the plan 100%”, even though Israeli military operations have continued in the enclave. He added that the United States was focused on ensuring Hamas met its obligations under the 20-point peace proposal. However, it requires the militant group to disarm before further political steps can move forward.
When he was asked how quickly both sides should advance to phase two, Trump replied, “As quickly as we can. But there has to be disarmament.” He added, Referring directly to Hamas “If they don’t disarm, as they agreed to do… then there will be hell to pay for them. They have to disarm in a fairly short period of time.” Trump also said reconstruction in Gaza could “begin pretty soon”.
Pressure over the Gaza Deal and Rising Death Toll in Palestine
The Gaza peace plan came into effect in the October 2025. Under its second phase, a technocratic administration would be established, Hamas would disarm, Israeli troops would withdraw, and large-scale reconstruction would begin. However, critics argue that Netanyahu may seek to delay Israeli withdrawal while demanding Hamas disarm first. This demand can potentially stall the process.
Moreover, critics have accused that the Israeli prime minister is avoiding meaningful discussion about a long-term political future for Palestinians. Hamas officials, meanwhile, have said that the full disarmament should coincide with tangible progress towards an independent Palestinian state. When asked whether Israel was moving too slowly, Trump dismissed concerns, saying he is “not concerned about anything that Israel’s doing”. Instead, he said his focus was on “what other people are doing or maybe aren’t doing”.
Since the ceasefire began, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel’s military says it has only responded to ceasefire violations and has blamed Hamas for the killing of three Israeli soldiers during the same period.
Warnings for Iran from US President Donald Trump
During the briefing, Trump also warned that the US could support further strikes on Iran if it resumed rebuilding ballistic missile or nuclear capabilities. “If they are, we’re going to have no choice but to eradicate that build up,” he said. Iran’s senior adviser Ali Shamkhani responded that any aggression would meet an “immediate harsh response”.
In addition, discussions also covered Syria and Hezbollah. Trump said, he hoped Israel would build relations with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite Israeli suspicion of the former militant leader. Trump also confirmed that he had lifted US sanctions on Syria, which signals a shift in Washington’s regional approach.
Web Resources on the Trump-Netanyahu Meeting
1. TheGuardian.com: Trump-Netanyahu Israel Gaza Live
2. DW.com: Trump, Netanyahu meet to discuss Gaza deal, Iran
3. AcademicBlock.com: Syria Joins US-Led Coalition to Combat IS Group