US President Donald Trump has issued a new warning to Hamas, reiterating his push for the militant group's disarmament as the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire with Israel begins. The ultimatum comes as tensions remain high in the fragile truce process, despite significant challenges being faced by both sides.
Trump took to social media late on Thursday, vowing to press for what he described as a "comprehensive" demilitarization of Hamas, threatening severe consequences if the group refuses to comply. He also demanded the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive still held by Hamas, sharpening tensions at this critical juncture.
The focus of the second phase has shifted from simply halting violence to establishing transitional governance, disarmament, and reconstruction in Gaza, a significant escalation of diplomatic ambitions amid ongoing clashes with the Israeli military. The fragile ceasefire has already claimed over 450 Palestinian lives since it took effect in October last year.
Trump has announced plans to chair a "board of peace" tasked with overseeing Gaza's reconstruction, economic recovery, and broader transition process, alongside former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other high-profile advisors. However, key issues remain unresolved, including the disarmament of Hamas, which has so far refused to give up its arms.
The UN estimates that Israel's war in Gaza will cost over $70 billion to rebuild over several decades. Jorge Moreira da Silva, a senior UN official, described the level of destruction as "overwhelming" and called for immediate action to address the crisis, with medical sources reporting six more Palestinians killed and others wounded in recent Israeli airstrikes.
Life in Gaza remains precarious, with airstrikes and gunfire continuing despite efforts to reduce tensions. Recent storms have compounded the crisis, killing at least four people who were displaced into flimsy tents that collapsed due to strong winter winds. The UN Children's Fund reported 100 children had been killed since the beginning of the ceasefire, including six who died of hypothermia.
The fragile truce process is facing significant challenges as both sides struggle to rebuild and recover from the devastating conflict. With tensions running high, any breakthrough will require concerted efforts from all parties involved.
Trump took to social media late on Thursday, vowing to press for what he described as a "comprehensive" demilitarization of Hamas, threatening severe consequences if the group refuses to comply. He also demanded the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive still held by Hamas, sharpening tensions at this critical juncture.
The focus of the second phase has shifted from simply halting violence to establishing transitional governance, disarmament, and reconstruction in Gaza, a significant escalation of diplomatic ambitions amid ongoing clashes with the Israeli military. The fragile ceasefire has already claimed over 450 Palestinian lives since it took effect in October last year.
Trump has announced plans to chair a "board of peace" tasked with overseeing Gaza's reconstruction, economic recovery, and broader transition process, alongside former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other high-profile advisors. However, key issues remain unresolved, including the disarmament of Hamas, which has so far refused to give up its arms.
The UN estimates that Israel's war in Gaza will cost over $70 billion to rebuild over several decades. Jorge Moreira da Silva, a senior UN official, described the level of destruction as "overwhelming" and called for immediate action to address the crisis, with medical sources reporting six more Palestinians killed and others wounded in recent Israeli airstrikes.
Life in Gaza remains precarious, with airstrikes and gunfire continuing despite efforts to reduce tensions. Recent storms have compounded the crisis, killing at least four people who were displaced into flimsy tents that collapsed due to strong winter winds. The UN Children's Fund reported 100 children had been killed since the beginning of the ceasefire, including six who died of hypothermia.
The fragile truce process is facing significant challenges as both sides struggle to rebuild and recover from the devastating conflict. With tensions running high, any breakthrough will require concerted efforts from all parties involved.
. Newsflash: Hamas isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I mean, come on, $70 billion to rebuild Gaza? That's a lot of money, but let's be real, it's still gonna take years to recover from what Israel did there. And what's with this "comprehensive demilitarization" talk? Like, Trump thinks Hamas just magically gives up its guns? Please 
. The truce process is fragile and both sides are struggling to rebuild after that massive war. It feels like we're seeing a lot of progress only to have things take a turn for the worse again 
. Trump's ultimatum to Hamas seems really aggressive, I don’t know if it'll actually push them towards disarmament or just make things more complicated 
. Meanwhile, the UN is saying that Israel needs to foot the massive bill of rebuilding Gaza over the next few decades – like, what even is that number?! 
It's a lot of pressure on both sides, but we need to see some serious progress soon or else things might just spiral outta control 
it's crazy to think that a warning on social media could be the catalyst for real change, but you never know right? meanwhile, let's not forget about the kids who've been killed or displaced since the ceasefire started, that's just heartbreaking 
the fact that trump and blair are on the same team could be seen as a glimmer of hope, who knows what might happen if we all just keep pushing for peace 
. And have you seen those poor kids who died from hypothermia in their flimsy tents? It's just heartbreaking. We need a real solution that prioritizes human life over all this politics 
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i'm not sure if trump's ultimatum is gonna help or make things worse...hamas has been super resistant to disarmament in the past and it's like they're playing a game of chicken with israel & the US 
. meanwhile, the damage to gaza is just insane - $70 billion? that's like, whoa 
. but at the same time, you gotta give credit where credit is due - trump's trying to make some progress on the reconstruction front and bringing in big-name advisors. it's a tough spot, but i guess we'll just have to keep an eye on things and see how it all plays out 
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