Trump Urges Rapid Progress on Gaza Ceasefire as Tensions Continue

Tue Dec 30 2025 05:19:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump expressed his hope for a swift transition to phase two of the Gaza peace plan while warning Hamas of severe consequences if they do not disarm.

President Donald Trump announced his intentions for a quick advancement to phase two of the Gaza peace plan during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. Trump emphasized that Hamas must disarm promptly or face dire consequences, amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the region. He also discussed the potential for US military action against Iran should they resume nuclear weapon developments.

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 quickly.

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

Asked how quickly Hamas and Israel should move to phase two of the peace plan, Trump stated: As quickly as we can. But there has to be disarmament. He further emphasized, 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 expressed optimism about the potential for reconstruction in Gaza, stating it could begin pretty soon.

The Gaza peace plan, initiated in October, aims to establish a technocratic government in the territory, necessitate Hamas's disarmament, and prompt Israeli troop withdrawal before reconstruction begins.

However, critics claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu may seek to delay the plan and require Hamas to disarm prior to Israeli troop withdrawal. Netanyahu has been accused of lacking willingness to address the political future of the Palestinians, while Hamas officials argue that any disarmament must accompany progress toward an independent Palestinian state.

Trump reassured that he was not concerned about Israel's actions, focusing instead on what others might or might not do.

Since the ceasefire took effect, reports indicate that at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza.

Trump underscored that the US would launch further strikes on Iran if it was found to be using different sites to develop nuclear capabilities, referring to previous airstrikes that purportedly obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities.

In addition to discussing Gaza, Trump and Netanyahu addressed regional issues, including tensions in Syria and concerns regarding Hezbollah. Trump expressed hopes for peaceful relations as Syria moves forward under its new leadership.