Trump Urges Swift Progress on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions

Wed Dec 31 2025 03:56:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent press conference, Donald Trump expressed optimism about advancing to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan and issued a stern warning to Hamas about disarmament, insisting on urgent action as tensions in the region escalate.

During a meeting in Florida with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump highlighted the need for rapid advancement to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, which necessitates Hamas's disarmament. He warned that failure to comply would have serious consequences for the militant group. Trump's comments come as violence continues in the region, with numerous casualties reported. The peace plan aims to establish a technocratic government in Gaza and facilitate reconstruction, but critics worry about possible delays due to political maneuvering.

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 mentioned potential military actions against Iran if the country resumed its offensive missile or nuclear weapons programs.

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

When asked how quickly Hamas and Israel should advance to phase two of the peace plan, Trump responded: As quickly as we can. But there has to be disarmament. Speaking about Hamas, he added: If they don't disarm as, as they agreed to do, there will be hell to pay for them.

Trump indicated that reconstruction in Gaza could start pretty soon. The Gaza peace plan initiated in October involves establishing a technocratic government, disarmament of Hamas, and withdrawal of Israeli troops, paving the way for reconstruction.

Critics argue that Netanyahu might seek to stall this process and insist on Hamas's disarmament before any Israeli troop withdrawal. The Israeli prime minister has been accused of lacking seriousness in addressing a political future for Palestinians, while Hamas officials demand that disarmament should coincide with progress towards an independent Palestinian state.

Despite escalating tensions, Trump stated he was unconcerned with Israel's actions, emphasizing that he was focused on other parties involved.

Since the ceasefire began, reports indicate that at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza. The Israeli military claims these actions were in response to ceasefire violations, blaming Hamas for the deaths of three Israeli soldiers during the same period.

Trump also signaled that the US would consider military action against Iran if evidence emerged of its attempts to develop nuclear weapons at different sites.

In further discussions, Trump and Netanyahu addressed regional tensions, including those concerning Syria and Hezbollah. They expressed a desire for a peaceful border with Syria, with Trump indicating hope for cooperation with the new Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Trump’s remarks come in the wake of a tense geopolitical climate, where reconstruction, negotiations, and security continue to pose significant challenges in the region.