Trump Aims for Quick Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

Wed Dec 31 2025 02:56:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump expressed hope for rapid advancement to phase two of the Gaza ceasefire, insisting that Hamas disarmament is critical.

In Florida, Trump stated he aims to quickly reach phase two of the Gaza peace plan, emphasizing that Hamas must disarm to avoid severe repercussions. After discussions with Netanyahu, he declared Israel's compliance with the plan, despite ongoing military actions in Gaza. Trump also hinted at potential US actions against Iran if it resumes nuclear developments, amid escalating tensions in the region.

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 his country could support another significant strike on Iran if it were to resume rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs.

In response to Trump's threat, Iran's supreme leader's top political adviser, Ali Shamkhani, stated on X that any aggression towards Iran would meet an immediate harsh response.

When asked how quickly Hamas and Israel should proceed to phase two of the peace plan, Trump said: As quickly as we can. But there has to be disarmament.

He further asserted, If they don't disarm as they agreed to do, there will be hell to pay for them. They have to disarm in a fairly short period of time.

Trump also mentioned that the reconstruction in Gaza could begin pretty soon. The peace plan, which became effective in October, outlines that a technocratic government would be established in Gaza, Hamas would disarm, and Israeli troops would withdraw before reconstruction starts.

Critics have suggested Netanyahu could delay the plan and might insist on Hamas disarming prior to any Israeli military withdrawal.

Since the ceasefire began, reports indicate that at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military, with the military claiming it has only acted in response to ceasefire violations.

Trump also noted that the US would act if it discovered Iran attempting to develop nuclear weapons again. He remarked he had been reading that Iran might be using other sites for their military developments.

Alongside these discussions, matters concerning Syria and tensions with Hezbollah were also addressed, with Trump expressing a desire for peaceful relations between Israel and the new Syrian president.