In brief
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump expressed hopes for rapid progress in the Gaza peace plan, contingent on Hamas' disarmament. He conveyed that the U.S. would pursue additional action against Iran should it resume nuclear weapons development. The ongoing conflict has seen further casualties in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution as Netanyahu faces pressure at home regarding the plan's implementation.
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 stated that Israel had 'lived up to the plan 100%', despite continuing attacks by its military in Gaza.
Moreover, Trump indicated that the U.S. could support another major strike on Iran were it to resume rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs.
Responding to Trump's threat, Iran's supreme leader's top political adviser, Ali Shamkhani, stated on social media that any aggression towards Iran would be met with an 'immediate harsh response'.
Trump urged quick action regarding Hamas disarmament, saying, 'They have to disarm in a fairly short period of time'.
He also suggested that reconstruction in Gaza could 'begin pretty soon'.
The Gaza peace plan, enacted in October, entails a technocratic government in Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and withdrawal of Israeli troops, followed by reconstruction efforts.
Critics have noted that Netanyahu might delay the plan, insisting on Hamas disarmament before the troops withdraw. Netanyahu has been accused of neglecting the issue of a political future for Palestinians.
Hamas officials have insisted that full disarmament should coincide with progress towards an independent Palestinian state.
Trump reassured that he was not worried about Israel's compliance with the plan but concerned about the actions of other parties involved.
Since the ceasefire began, the count of Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza has exceeded 414, reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel claims its actions only respond to violations of the ceasefire, attributing the deaths of three Israeli soldiers during the same timeframe to Hamas.
Throughout the press briefing, Trump reiterated that the U.S. would respond to Iran's potential nuclear advancements with force, stressing their responsibility to prevent any further development.
In discussions regarding Syria and tensions involving the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, Trump expressed his hope for a peaceful relationship between Israel and Syria's newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Trump expressed confidence in the need for engagement in these geopolitical dynamics, reflecting the complexity of the peace process in the region.
