WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has clarified his stance on the Gaza peace process, declaring that Hamas must disarm voluntarily or face forced disarmament if it refuses.
The announcement came as he unveiled what he described as “phase 2” of his ceasefire plan, which aims to stabilise Gaza and pave the way for reconstruction.
Speaking from the White House, President Trump said: “They will disarm, or we will disarm them, and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently.”
He added that his administration had already communicated the ultimatum to Hamas, claiming the group had verbally agreed to the disarmament terms.
The initial phase of Trump’s ceasefire deal, endorsed by Israel’s Cabinet, centred on the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.
Hamas released its remaining living hostages, while Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, the agreement hit a setback when Hamas failed to return all the bodies of deceased hostages, providing only a few, which raised questions over its full compliance.
Trump said phase 2 of the peace plan would depend on Hamas fulfilling its obligations, including total disarmament and the return of all hostage remains. “I don’t have to explain how it will happen,” he remarked. “They know I’m not playing games.”
The proposal, introduced at a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh and backed by several regional leaders, seeks to establish a framework for Gaza’s long-term governance and security.
Yet, analysts have cautioned that the initiative lacks clear enforcement mechanisms and depends heavily on political will from both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring Hamas’s disarmament.
Meanwhile, Israel has threatened that aid restrictions could follow if Hamas continues to violate ceasefire terms.
Despite broad international support for Trump’s mediation, observers say the peace process remains fragile.
The next phase of implementation will test whether both parties can maintain the truce and move toward a durable resolution.
Sources: The White House, Reuters, Associated Press
