Trump hopes to move quickly to second phase of Gaza ceasefire, warns Hamas to disarm
Former US President Donald Trump has said he hopes negotiations can advance “very quickly” to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as diplomatic efforts continue to reduce violence in the region. His comments came following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the future of the ceasefire and regional security were discussed.
Trump reiterated strong US backing for Israel and issued a sharp warning to Hamas, saying the group would have “hell to pay” if it failed to disarm. He stressed that lasting peace would not be possible unless Hamas gave up its weapons and ended its military activities. His remarks underline a hardline stance on security while simultaneously expressing optimism about continued ceasefire negotiations.
The Gaza ceasefire agreement is structured in phases, with the first phase focused on halting active hostilities and allowing humanitarian aid to reach civilians. The second phase is expected to involve more complex negotiations, including longer-term security arrangements, governance issues in Gaza, and the release of remaining hostages and detainees.
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and fears that the ceasefire could collapse if talks stall. While progress has been made, tensions remain high, and both sides face pressure from allies and domestic audiences.
The United States has positioned itself as a key diplomatic player in the negotiations, working alongside regional and international partners to prevent a return to large-scale fighting. Trump said he believes rapid progress is possible but acknowledged that the situation remains fragile and dependent on cooperation from all parties involved.
Source: BBC News